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

June 28, 2008

Fundamentals of Therapy #3: The First Session

We've covered who goes to therapy and how to find a therapist, so welcome to your initial appointment. I hope to demystify what can be an anxiety provoking experience and help get your treatment off to a good start. Read More

June 10, 2008

Small Talk in Therapy

You don't have to make small talk with your therapist, so why bother? Read More

May 31, 2008

Therapy Constipation

What to do when you feel blocked in therapy. Read More

May 20, 2008

Deciphering Psychologese

We can thank (or blame) modern psychology for the dumpster full of jargon that has seeped into our everyday language. Read More

May 14, 2008

The Many Hats of the Psychotherapist

Is a therapist like a physician? A psychic? My parents? Who is this person? Read More

May 7, 2008

Give a Man a Fish...

Why wouldn't a therapist give advice? Read More

April 28, 2008

Shrinks Are People Too: When Life Happens to a Therapist

As I write this, 500+ acres in the mountains surrounding my home are aflame. 1000 people have been evacuated, myself included. What a perfect opportunity to discuss the topic of therapeutic objectivity. Read More

April 23, 2008

Fundamentals of Therapy #2: Finding a Therapist

Choosing a therapist is no easy task - you need to gather all the info you can, but ultimately trust your gut. Read More

April 16, 2008

The Fundamentals of Therapy Part I

Before addressing how clients can get the most from their therapy, we should cover some basics: who goes to therapy, how to find a therapist and the roles/rules/boundaries of therapy. We'll start with who goes to therapy, and why. Read More

April 10, 2008

Power to the People

It's time to level the playing field. Therapists have had the upper hand in this psychotherapy gig long enough - this blog will help clients make the most of their time, effort and dollar. Read More