How Therapy Works

Following Chapter 22 in the book, we discuss the significance and future of the approach presented here, based on facilitating the universal processes that allow change in psychotherapy.

Continuing our catalog of problems and how to approach them in therapy, we look at trauma, the damage it can do, and how to work with these issues. This episode parallels Chapter 21 in Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide.

In this episode, we look at the many and critically important problems related to anxiety and how psychotherapy can help. This episode runs parallel to Chapter 20 in Psychotherapy a Practical Guide.

In this episode, we continue our discussion of depression, starting with conditions that may look like depression but aren't. We go on to discuss treatment principles in a continuation of Chapter 19 in Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide. 

In this episode we begin to look at those problems that are not chosen voluntarily but are unwelcome visitors. They include depression, anxiety and dissociation, and this is part one of our discussion of depression. We hope you enjoy it, and, at last, we are asking for comments. Please!

This time we tackle the special emotions that are products of the conscience and the internalized values, attitudes, ideals, and prohibitions that underlie our judgments. This important chapter (17) tells how these emotions are different and what therapists can do to help.

In this episode we explore what some call automatic thoughts and others call free associations, and how to work with them. In parallel with Chapter 18 in the textbook we look at the purpose they serve and how to work with them. And we finally ask listeners to comment! Please!

Companion to Chapter 16, this podcast looks at how emotions can mean different things and how to work with them in your sessions.

All about addiction, what it is, why it happens, and how to help individuals and their families deal with the devastating effects of the compulsion to use mood altering chemicals and other compulsive behaviors. This is one of Dr. Smith's specialties. Follows Chapter 15 in the book.

This episode covers "hidden agendas," "guilty quests," and avoiding painful feelings by avoiding experiences altogether. Each of these behavioral patterns can lead to real suffering and loss, and working with them is an important aspect of our work as therapists.