Where Should We Begin?: Therapy that is pretty darn close to magic

The Premise (from Apple Podcasts):

Listen to the incomparable therapist Esther Perel counsel real couples as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of the conflicts that have brought them to her door. This season, she takes on open marriage, racism inside an extended family, coming out in a religious home, and chronic infidelity, among other delicate dynamics. Esther creates a space for us to hear our own lives and struggles articulated in the stories of others. So....where should we begin?

Series or standalone:

Standalone

Begin listening to:

Any episode

Format:

Discussion; fly-on-the-wall therapy session

Host(s):

Psychotherapist Esther Perel

Sound/production quality:

Very good

Rating/age suitability:

Adult

Approximate length of episodes:

45 minutes

Curricular ties:

n/a

Similar recommended pods:

How Did We Get Here?; Dear Therapists; The Secret Room; Family Secrets

Podcast Librarian’s Review:

This is one of the podcasts in the genre I’m dubbing “fly-on-the-wall therapy sessions.” Experienced therapist Esther brings together two people, often couples, who have experienced problems in their relationship. The issues are often rooted in trauma for one or both of the guests. This is a one-time session, and it focuses on a specific problem that the couple is currently facing. Esther is kind and empathetic, but also has a no-nonsense approach. She listens to both people and hears the subtext of what they are saying to and about each other. As a result, they come to understand something new about each other and come up with a plan for how they can continue the progress after the session. It’s not a magic fix, and the couple will obviously need to keep working with their own therapist, but every single episode ends on a hopeful note. Throughout, Esther narrates and provides commentary, explaining to us, the audience, important background information about the couple, psychological principles, and her approach in their session. One aspect of this podcast that I really appreciate is that it features many non-white guests who are dealing with issues related to racial or cultural differences in their relationships. It feels modern and relevant for listeners of any background.

Stay tuned for reviews of similar podcasts this month; February is all about relationships and fly-on-the-wall therapy podcasts!