In Therapy

A User's Guide to Psychotherapy

Ryan Howes, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, writer, musician and professor at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, California. See full bio

November 11, 2009

My Exclusive Interview With Nidhal Abaza

I’ve been fortunate to land an interview with a Palestinian-American named Nidhal. You may have seen his name in the papers recently. In the entertainment section. Read More

November 5, 2009

Backseat Drivers & Therapy, Part IV: What to Do

The point here is pretty simple: it's your therapy, you can share with others as much or as little as you want. Here's what to do with the unsolicited opinions. Read More

October 6, 2009

Backseat Drivers & Therapy, Part III: Types

Backseat drivers take many shapes and forms, from helpful to hostile. Today we're breaking down the most common types of backseat driver. Read More

September 29, 2009

Backseat Drivers & Therapy, Part II: Why & Examples

People that meet me and find out I'm in therapy are often shocked and tell me I have no problems and I just need to hang out with them more.

In Part I we covered what backseat driving is and why it might disrupt therapy. Today we'll ask why people backseat drive and give a few real-life examples.

September 17, 2009

Backseat Drivers & Therapy, Part I: Introduction

Well-intentioned loved ones can butt in and screw up a perfectly good therapy. Or they can give needed support. Or they can lend perspective to a harmful therapy situation. How do you tell the difference? Read More

September 4, 2009

Four Elements of Forgiveness

Theories of forgiveness are like LinkedIn accounts - everybody has one but they never really use it. Today I'll let you in on my theory. Read More

August 19, 2009

600 Ticks

I live a significant portion of my life in the ten minute gaps between clients. I've gotten it down to a science after a dozen years in practice. Read More

August 10, 2009

Music Genre vs Theoretical Orientation

I'm not a music therapist, just a shrink who strums a guitar. The similarities between music and psychotherapy have long intrigued me: both explore mood, expression, emotional catharsis and the balance of art and technique. If there were correlations between music genres and therapeutic modalities, what might they be? Read More

July 27, 2009

The Definition of Insanity is...

I hear this every week, sometimes twice a day: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." No, it isn't. Read More

July 16, 2009

The Seven Questions Project: Conclusion

Seven questions for twenty people produced 140 answers. In this 18th and final post I'll try to pull it all together and see what we've learned. Read More