Reading before you reach out.

If you've never been to therapy, it can feel unfamiliar. These are the videos, articles, and shows I point people to when they want to understand what therapy is, how it works, and how psychodynamic therapy differs from other approaches.

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Watch

Understanding Psychodynamic TherapyA short video introduction to what psychodynamic therapy is and how it works.

Read

Getting Started in Psychotherapy: A Guide for PatientsWhat to expect from therapy and how to get the most out of it. Jonathan Shedler. The Tyranny of TimeHow long effective therapy really takes, and why symptom relief isn't the whole story. Psychotherapy Networker. How to Choose a TherapistPractical advice for finding someone who fits. Psychology Today. The Therapy Relationship in Psychodynamic Therapy Versus CBTHow the two approaches differ, especially in the role of the relationship. Psychology Today. Bamboozled by Bad ScienceHow therapy research gets misrepresented, and what the evidence actually supports. Psychology Today. The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PDF)Jonathan Shedler's review of the research, written for Scientific American.

Therapy on screen

In Treatment (HBO)A drama about individual therapy, and one of the more accurate portrayals of the therapy relationship. Couples Therapy (Showtime)A documentary following real couples in therapy, showing how sessions bring patterns to light.

These links are for general education and aren't a substitute for professional care.

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