I have learned about my internal self and seen others from a new perspective by listening to dear therapists. I’m sure a lot goes on before we hear these episodes including vetting and editing, but the result is still substantive and revelatory. I like the go-forth actions and the feedback from the person a few weeks later. A chance to apply what they’ve learned. A lot of bravery on the part of participants. Great podcast. Thanks.

Where are the new episodes???

After reading Lori Gottlieb’s great memoir of therapy, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone,” I was excited to find her podcast with fellow psychologist, Guy Winch. People write in with seemingly insurmountable problems, and Lori and Guy provide a therapy session in which deeper aspects of the presenting issue are uncovered. Then they offer some assignments and the “client” reports back with how it went. No matter the subject, there are usually take-always for the listener about communication, listening, setting boundaries, etc. it’s one of my favorite shows and hope they will have a new season soon because I’ve already listened to most of the encore old episodes!

If you are an arm chair therapist like I am you will be clamoring for the next season of this podcast. Lori and Guy are knowledgeable, insightful and so kind. They efficiently help people get to the crux of their issues and clearly articulate what the callers can do to help themselves. I love their follow up after each session. Even when I did not think an episode would interest me, I was wrong. There is much to learn from other people’s behavior and you will be surprised at how often their insight can alter the perspective of your own life and decisions.

I have to navigate NYC traffic a few times a week and this is my favorite calming podcast to keep me focused. Please keep more episodes coming!

This is such a remarkable show and I feel very grateful to have found it when I did. Please keep the episodes coming!

This is an exceptional podcast to reveal what therapy is like. I’m fearful with the increasing popularity of Lori’s book that this podcast will start heading into the “cross-over” episodes (interviewing other podcasters and cross promoting, ie etc etc ) that are so tiresome in this space. For now, this podcast is a true original.

The episode with Stephanie and her mother was so disappointing. There was a lot of caretaking of the mother’s feelings and Stephanie’s largely took a back seat. The foundation for the mother’s shame (generational, and ten bucks says these two are from the Midwest) was addressed so poorly that Stephanie even admitted that she couldn’t reach the point of empathy for it. The wavering in her voice was a lot of pain not being acknowledged. The verbalization of love at the end of the episode was probably the only piece that would offer Stephanie healing at all. The mother thanked the therapists for helping “us” verbalize but should have just expressed thanks on behalf of herself.

Thank you for putting on such a thorough, well-balanced and insightful show. I can tell you really care about helping your guests and appreciate the homework and follow ups. Despite not having the same issues as your guests, I somehow walk away each and every time learning something new about myself and thinking of ways I can better my life or gain a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of those around me.

In the middle of listening to the Emily Encore episode. The therapists are way off. When a partner says “I think we are done,” they speak the truth as to what they really feel and the relationship has likely ended before that. Unless they use it to control the other partner, which is abusive and an even bigger reason to leave. The man likely never wanted a new baby with Emily, he had a child and wanted Emily to be a mother for his existing child (he probably thought: “Oh great, she wants children, she wants to be a mother, good thing I already have a child”). If he might have toyed with the thought of having a new baby with Emily, the cancer diagnosis most likely put a death knell into that. The partner first facetiming a full hour every day with Emily and then retreating because he needed more time for his son (allegedly) was a clear bait and switch. Stonewalling is another relationship-ender/a sign that the original stonewaller never wanted to be in that relationship. It’s in general never a good idea to move into an existing living space of one partner when you start a relationship. Both partners best move into a new place. The only mistake I see Emily making is to rush too quickly into new relationships. That’s how she ended up with drug users and alcoholics. She had a low bar before meeting this husband but realistically, it’s slim pickens out there, particularly at her age. And with regards to new husband, her friends warned her: don’t you first want to live with the man before you marry him? They may have picked up on something she didn’t want to see. As to moving out while he was away, she may have had her reasons for that. Wanting to limit drama is a good enough reason imo but if he was controlling and emotionally abusive (bait and switch, stonewalling) she may have simply not felt safe to move out while he was present. Emily’s wish for a baby puts way too much pressure on her decision-making as well as on the men she picks. Maybe they feel reduced to a sperm donor and that’s why there is no emotional connection. Emily might have to say goodbye to that babywish and calm down a bit. And stop plunging into relationships so fast. But criticizing Emily for leaving a relationship “too soon” when it’s clearly toxic and more than over is very much off the wall. Women in general way too often stick “it” out for way too long and Emily has learned that lesson. Good for her. The guy showed up for therapy way too late, it was probably a last ditch effort to get her to change her mind but he will most likely never change.

This is a fascinating insight into human psychology, and both therapists offer step by step advice to create better personal awareness and manageable steps to help navigate life. Thank you for sharing seemingly unique situations that benefit so many of us!

As a counselor myself, I definitely learn from this podcast. The hosts are honest with their guests and they don’t hold back. Thank you so much!!

I LOVE this podcast!

As a therapist, I admire and appreciate the skill, compassion and insight you share each week through this podcast. Though you are not doing therapy in the traditional sense, you demonstrate beautifully the awareness and understanding that can be gained through compassionate exploration, as well as the value of taking action steps to break old patterns or try on new behavior. I always take away something of value after listening.

After reading Lori’s book ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone’, I googled her for a website but discovered she had a podcast. It’s such a good follow up from the book. Listening to the variety of people and situations, you don’t feel so different from everyone else. Almost every one could benefit from therapy and this might be the impetus to that end.

I love this podcast. It’s incredibly helpful - every episode is relatable even when I think it won’t be.

Thank you for creating this show. I love advice columns and podcasts and this is my newest favorite. My girlfriend and I listen in the car on long drives and are just so frequently like “YES! WHAT A GREAT QUESTION TO ASK THIS PERSON!” … Lori and Guy, you are so compassionate and so skilled at therapy AND SO THOROUGH.. It’s beautiful to see that people are calling in to reach out for help, and sometimes the thing that they think is the issue is only the tip of some other iceberg in another ocean, and over the course of an hour or less, it seems like real progress is so frequently made in getting to the bottom of it. It’s cathartic and meaningful and beautiful. And also, sometimes Guy is super funny at appropriate intervals. Lori, too! The show is so great. Thank you. And if you’re reading this review considering whether you should listen to the show, DO IT. If you want. Up to you. I love it. Thank you!

And I love this show. Guy and Lori are so smart and insightful and sensitive and loving. Even though their approaches are different from mine often times, I still learn so much and find their energy very inspiring and comforting and useful to me in my own work. Also, I love the format in which they interview the person with a lot of subtlety and nuance, and then give them an assignment after which the person comes back with what they did, and what they learned. This is so much more in-depth than some programs in this particular genre.

I have learned so much about myself from just listening to the stories of other people. I’m excited to listen to the next episode.

I absolutely love this podcast. I'm so impressed with how insightful Lori and Guy are. One of the things that I love the most about it is how often I start out feeling judgemental about the people they work with, and how much dignity Lori and Guy give them. I also tend to feel that the presenting problems are soooooo serious and intractable, and then Lori and Guy so patiently and gently unwind the issues and offer truly helpful therapy for them. This podcast is a gift. Thank you!

This show used to be great but I don’t know how you can say you’re in season four when all of the “new” episodes are repeated from previous seasons. Is an actually new episode ever going to happen?

Very relatable sessions. Entertaining and informative therapist engage on emails and with the writer for clarity. Way too many commercials. Uneven production quality.

I’ve enjoyed Lori Gottlieb's columns in the Atlantic for years and this podcast is also very informative and helpful. The best part is that there are nuggets in each episode for just about anyone trying to get better at this being human thing

I have been listening to this show for weeks. I have learned lots while listening and thinking through the relationship scenarios. However, after listening to “Nora’s” unwanted pregnancy episode, I find it completely unforgivable that the two therapists ignored Nora’s biggest concern. You never addressed the fact that she and her boyfriend aborted their baby and that it destroyed their relationship. Nora can’t forgive herself and she can’t forgive her now-husband for doing this. Until she can tell him the grief and devastation this caused her and until he admits to his coldness in dehumanizing the pregnancy with his comments and how wrong he was, they will not get through this. He wanted her to even get a second abortion but she stood up to him and did not do it. Then he miraculously decided to become a good father and take on the responsibilities. And I’m guessing Nora is wondering why she didn’t push back and keep the first baby. It’s called cognitive dissonance. The only way she can live with herself is by believing he can’t love her and that she can’t have a relationship or have fun “dancing” with the man who is responsible for the death of her baby. Did you never notice how she kept calling the son, “my son” and not “our son”. She realizes that she is the reason he was born because had it been up to her then boyfriend, her son would also be dead. And somehow through the obvious grief and depression event of this precious Nora, Guy and Lori never one time recognize or tell her how it is normal to feel devastated about causing the loss of her unborn child. How crazy this society is. Everyone wants to say that abortion is all about the rights and desires of the mom. But instead, it is really about what he wanted. She did not feel she could go back on her word even though she totally changed her mind about keeping the baby once she realized what it felt like to have that baby inside her. What a gross miscarriage of responsibility in this therapy session. The only possible resolution is for them both to recognize their feelings about the terrible choice it was for them to abort the baby and then they will have to forgive each other before they can move on to having a meaningful relationship. I’m so sorry for Nora and the fact that Guy and Lori completely ignored this devastating event in her life and never tried to help her overcome this.

Hands down my favorite podcast. I always learn so much from Guy and Lori no matter the episode. As a brand new therapist this is like free education! Thank you for the content and your efforts to help so many people. Knowledge is therapy!

Love the therapists on the show!! So eye opening and love listening.

Great podcast, helps me to better understand myself and gain a deeper understanding of my own woulds. I have been to therapy off/on as I have needed it and I still gain much from this podcast.

Dear Therapist is a wonderful podcast. The stories really draw you in and the therapists’ wise questions and thoughtful advice speak to so many life situations. They always leaving me thinking and mulling things over and applying the ideas and suggestions to my own life. And they are always, without fail, kind and encouraging. Five stars all the way!

Lori & Guy help the client (and me!) with advice specific enough to follow. They provide a script essentially for the hard conversations. Telling someone to have a conversation, to confront something, or to remain supportive but not enabling doesn’t do most of us much good. The question is HOW? I get how from these therapists every time. Fellow therapists, I hope you’re listening! They also gently confront. I think this is so important in therapy, and for me as a listener it teaches me how to interrogate my own motivations and the stories I tell myself. I enjoy this podcast very much. Even when I think the subject is not relevant to me or the client very different from me, I get something I can take away and apply to my life every time.

Lori and Guy are so thoughtful and kind to all their guests! I love that they respect their guest’s pronouns and create an inclusive, safe environment for their guests. I have gotten a lot out of this show and look forward to new episodes every week!

As a therapist myself, I absolutely love the professionalism and apparent experience that emits off of these hosts in regards to therapy. This podcast is great for mental health professionals or anyone curious about what awesome and effective therapy looks like

Great podcast to try to better understand yourself and relating to others. You get to overhear 2 therapists & a person discuss an issue. Overall this allows you to learn how we think and ways to make changes.

Fantastic fast-paced sessions that present concerns which are universal to most people. As a therapist and an individual, I have learned so much from this podcast. Keep up the amazing work!

I learn from these conversations and appreciate the check-ins to see how the insight has translated into action. The therapists are skilled and pragmatic. I wonder why I only get season 2, however. I know there is a season 3 - is it behind a paywall?

Started listening bc I loved Lori’s book! Love them both now! You get something from every one! Even listening to older ones a second time and taking something that might not have resonated the first time!

Even if I don’t have the same relationship issue discussed, I learn something helpful for my own relationships, they suggest specific actions to take, and we hear back from the client on the result.

Absolutely love and appreciate this show. I am frequently blown away by Lori and Guy’s insightful compassionate responses to people’s personal dilemmas and predicaments. The homework they give is also very interesting and I’m amazed how they come up with such useful tasks. I definitely learn about myself as I listen to others grow and consider new perspectives. Thank you Lori and Guy and whoever else is behind the scenes!!

This show is so helpful. Answers so many questions. Encouraging to hear people’s stories, inspired by their courage to be vulnerable. Please keep doing this work Guy & Lori!!

I’m not quite sure where to find this answer so I’m asking here. Does anyone know how to find season one? It seems to be missing from the list. Would absolutely love to know. Thanks!

Is it me or are episode 4 and 8 missing from season SO2? Love this podcast!

I love this podcast. Guy and Lori are so helpful. They are so considerate in what they say, and there is so much learning to be gained from their comments, whether or not, I have been experiencing a similar situation. Thanks so much for being there for us and for doing this great work!

No matter the topic they’re addressing, there is always some nugget of wisdom that we all can use to make our own lives more meaningful. Guy and Lori are great. My husband and I listen to the podcasts together and discuss how we can use their advice to improve our own relationship.

I get something out of every episode. I often think “what would Lori and guy say?” when I’m faced with a problem. Highly recommend!

No matter the topic, even if I don’t have experience with the exact situation, I ALWAYS hear nuggets of advice that resonate and I can apply in my own personal life! Lori’s book remains one of my favs of all time, which brought me to this podcast years ago, but I appreciate both her and Guy’s perspectives and their always kind, respectful approach with their guests!

Great show to help assist in the hard work we call life.

I am so impressed with Guy and Lori’s skills and compassion. I love how authentic the guests are. I learn so much and value each episode. I also love the format where we get to hear back from the guests after their homework assignment. And I love the one year later bits too. Start at season one, episode one and enjoy the ride. Thank you, Guy, Lori and Dear Therapists team!

I’m in awe of how much learning Guy and Lori are able to pack into an hour. I get something out of every episode!

Started listening to this podcast after reading Laurie’s book because one of the episode titles caught my eye as something I might relate to. Turns out, even if the general issue isn’t something I have or ever will go through in my life, nearly all of the episodes have some bit of information or some pertinent advice I can use. Too bad I’d have to fly halfway across the country to sit on Laurie’s couch.

I just started listening recently to Lori and Guy and I have to say these two are one of the best therapist I have ever got the privilege of hearing. They complement each other with their advice, as a lot of therapists are actually afraid of giving advice. They both are so caring, and their advice is spot on. I think anybody can benefit from listening to the podcast and can use it to improve their own lives.

Lori and Guy, I am very grateful for your podcasts. The varied topics, different age groups and the in-depth analysis is refreshing. Even if I can’t relate to the topic, I listen because I always learn something. Lease keep up the wonderful service to humanity:) Joan from GA.