How Therapy Works

#10 How to Conduct the First Session of Talk Therapy

This episode is the beginning of part II, focusing on what therapists actually do, and how to go about it. The companion chapter of the book presents ideas and principles regarding the first session. We use an approach that is generic and adaptable to any kind of talk therapy. 

#11 How to Guide Therapy Sessions, Part 1

In this episode, we discuss how to begin sessions, how to follow the flow, when to intervene, and when not to in a generic form of psychotherapy adaptable to any style or orientation. 

#12 How to Guide Therapy Sessions, Part 2

We continue with a look at the cycles and phases of therapy and how some change processes take place over a longer time course than others, (before moving on to the next episode on the therapeutic relationship).

#13 The Therapeutic Relationship

We explore the therapeutic relationship and how best to manage it, corresponding to Chapter 11 in the book, Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide.

#14 The inner child vs. transference, an important episode

Why Dr. Smith has traded the concept of transference for that of the inner child, and how to work with this alternative approach. Accompanies Chapter 12 in Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide

#15 Adjustments to make therapy fit with your cliient

This is the last of the "how to" chapters and covers issues like how much to talk, how to work with different attachment styles and how to decide about homework. The next chapter begins the final section on what different kinds of problems you will encounter as a therapist and how to work with them.

#16 Catalog of Pathologies: Behavior to Avoid Feeling

This is the first of our final series describing all the problems you are likely to encounter that psychotherapy can address. In this companion to the first half of Chapter 14, we look at voluntary avoidance, nonverbal schemas, reenactment and acting out. With each type of problem, we discuss some of the challenges and solutions that will help make the therapy clear and successful.

#17 Behavior Patterns That Avoid Feeling, Continued

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.

#18 Addictions

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.

#19: Handling Emotions in Therapy

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