Therapy, the Conversational Craft
Strategies for Improving Your Therapeutic Conversation Skills
By Bill Doherty - In this era of medical necessity and evidence-based therapies, it's easy to lose sight of the basic truth that psychotherapy is a special form of conversation: we heal not through prescriptions and procedures, but through talking and listening. What if we think of therapy as a conversational craft that we hone over a career with our clients and with a community of conversational healers?
Daily Blog
Why We Shouldn't Be Neutral about Divorce
Divorced Couples Are Saying Something Important about Regret
By William Doherty - When I began my therapy practice, I was strictly neutral about divorce. It was the clients’ decision, not mine. But eventually, I was propelled out of my denial about the seriousness of divorce. We have a hundred ways to ask “What would be right for you?” and hardly any to ask “What would be right for others in your life?”
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Addressing Political Stress in the Consulting Room
Reevaluating What's Appropriate to Discuss in Therapy
It's no surprise that, with all the political infighting going on, many people are anxious about the direction of our country. But is there room to discuss political matters with clients, or does this constitute an ethical breach? According to therapist Bill Doherty, clinicians are not only well-equipped to discuss politics, but sometimes have a duty to do so. In the following video clip from his 2017 Networker Symposium Keynote address, Doherty explains how to get the ball rolling.
Daily Blog
When Stagnation Sets In
Getting Off the Therapeutic Plateau
By William Doherty - Why do we get stuck in "Groundhog Day therapy"—cases in which we spin our wheels from session to session? Before lurching on to alternative treatment strategies, the key to progress is recognizing the need to shift the therapist–client relationship.
Daily Blog
Copyright:
6/20/2018
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
Product:
NRS001262
Copyright:
6/20/2018
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
Product:
NRS001262
VIDEO: Bill Doherty on the Mission of the "Citizen Therapist"
Taking Your Work Beyond the Consulting Room
Most therapists would consider themselves agents of change for their clients. But can (and should) they become voices for change in the larger community? What about when it comes to weighing in on political matters? According to therapist Bill Doherty, clinicians have the capability—and sometimes a duty—to speak up.
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Bill Doherty Explains Why Therapy Isn't a Science...
...It's a Conversational Craft
What do the masters of truly good therapy have in common? According to couples therapist Bill Doherty, they know how to balance their desire to guide therapy with their ability to empathically listen. It's this quality that drives home the truth about therapy—at its heart, this work isn't a science. It's a craft.
Daily Blog
Is Therapy About Transformation, or Small Breakthroughs?
Learning to Separate Our Hopes for Our Clients from Their Goals for Themselves
By William Doherty - Are therapists more like shamans or family doctors? Explorers of human depths or more like Siri on your iPhone, just directing you from one place to another? I'm a skeptic about whether any clinical approach is good at getting clients consistently to the promised land of transformation. Maybe therapy is better understood as being about breakthroughs—small, medium, and large—rather than about transformation.
Daily Blog
Therapy and Transformation
What Are We Promising Our Clients?
Decades ago, trainees in our field were imbued with the notion that therapy was about transformation: big, dramatic changes in the direction of self-actualization. Was this an overpromise? And now, when the average length of therapy in the United States is less than eight sessions, is it even desired by clients anymore, or necessary for successful therapy?
Magazine Article
Can We Help Heal Divided Communities?
One Therapist Hits the Road with the Better Angels to Find Out
By William Doherty - After the 2016 Presidential election, I discovered a new professional mission—to work on healing the divide among ordinary Americans—or in couples therapy terms, to prevent a long-term civic divorce. Through an organization called Better Angels, I decided to embark on a bus tour to see what I could learn about shifting the standoff between Red and Blue America.
Daily Blog
Copyright:
6/20/2018
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
Product:
NRS001262
Copyright:
6/20/2018
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
Product:
NRS001262
Navigating New Norms about Intimacy, Sexuality, Personal Freedom and the Purpose of Marriage
Copyright:
7/1/2015
Authors:
JOHN M. GOTTMAN, PH.D.
JULIE GOTTMAN, PH.D.
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
STEVEN L JOHNSON, JD
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
MICHELE WEINER-DAVIS, MSW
SUZANNE IASENZA, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
TERRENCE REAL, LICSW
TAMMY NELSON, PHD
Product:
NRC095867
Copyright:
7/1/2015
Authors:
JOHN M. GOTTMAN, PH.D.
JULIE GOTTMAN, PH.D.
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
STEVEN L JOHNSON, JD
ESTHER PEREL, MA, LMFT
MICHELE WEINER-DAVIS, MSW
SUZANNE IASENZA, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
TERRENCE REAL, LICSW
TAMMY NELSON, PHD
Product:
NRC095867
Protecting Yourself When Boundaries Blur
Copyright:
5/21/2015
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
LISA FERENTZ, LCSW-C, DAPA
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
FREDERIC G. REAMER, PHD
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
LESLIE KORN, PH.D., MPH, LMHC
Product:
NRS001061
Copyright:
5/21/2015
Authors:
RICHARD SIMON, PH.D.
LISA FERENTZ, LCSW-C, DAPA
MARY JO BARRETT, MSW
FREDERIC G. REAMER, PHD
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
LESLIE KORN, PH.D., MPH, LMHC
Product:
NRS001061
Copyright:
4/8/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
BARRY W MCCARTHY, PHD, ABPP
JEROME PRICE, MA, LMFT, LMSW
JAY LEBOW, PHD
ROB WATERS
MARIA ISSACS, PHD
LAURA MARKOWITZ, MA
Product:
NRC095568
Copyright:
4/8/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
BARRY W MCCARTHY, PHD, ABPP
JEROME PRICE, MA, LMFT, LMSW
JAY LEBOW, PHD
ROB WATERS
MARIA ISSACS, PHD
LAURA MARKOWITZ, MA
Product:
NRC095568
Copyright:
3/21/2013
Authors:
K. ANDERS ERICSSON
RONALD D SIEGEL, PSY.D.
DAVID BURNS, M.D
DON MEICHENBAUM, PH.D.
TARA BRACH, PH.D.
DIANE POOLE HELLER, PHD
GARY SMALL, M.D.
SUSAN JOHNSON, ED.D.
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
KATHRYN RHEEM, ED.D.
Product:
RNV045810
Copyright:
3/21/2013
Authors:
K. ANDERS ERICSSON
RONALD D SIEGEL, PSY.D.
DAVID BURNS, M.D
DON MEICHENBAUM, PH.D.
TARA BRACH, PH.D.
DIANE POOLE HELLER, PHD
GARY SMALL, M.D.
SUSAN JOHNSON, ED.D.
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
KATHRYN RHEEM, ED.D.
Product:
RNV045810
Copyright:
3/18/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY SYKES WYLIE, PHD
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
RON TAFFEL, PHD
MOLLY LAYTON, PHD
FRANK PITTMAN, MD
BETTY CARTER, MSW
Product:
NRC095560
Copyright:
3/18/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
MARY SYKES WYLIE, PHD
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
RON TAFFEL, PHD
MOLLY LAYTON, PHD
FRANK PITTMAN, MD
BETTY CARTER, MSW
Product:
NRC095560
Copyright:
2/6/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
JANET SASSON EDGETTE, PSYD, MPH
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
JEROME PRICE, MA, LMFT, LMSW
MATTHEW SELEKMAN, MSW, LCSW
Product:
NRC095554
Copyright:
2/6/2013
Authors:
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
JANET SASSON EDGETTE, PSYD, MPH
KENNETH V. HARDY, PHD
JEROME PRICE, MA, LMFT, LMSW
MATTHEW SELEKMAN, MSW, LCSW
Product:
NRC095554
Copyright:
5/1/2012
Authors:
CLIFTON MITCHELL, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
STEVE ANDREAS, MA, NLP
RON TAFFEL, PHD
JAY EFRAN, PHD
ROB FAUBER, PHD
Product:
NRC095765
Copyright:
5/1/2012
Authors:
CLIFTON MITCHELL, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
STEVE ANDREAS, MA, NLP
RON TAFFEL, PHD
JAY EFRAN, PHD
ROB FAUBER, PHD
Product:
NRC095765
New Ways to Work Effectively with Your Most Challenging Clients
Copyright:
1/1/2012
Authors:
TERRENCE REAL, LICSW
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WENDY T. BEHARY, MSW, LCSW
CLIFTON MITCHELL, PHD
JOYANNA SILBERG, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
CLOE MADANES, HDL, LIC
Product:
NRC095865
Copyright:
1/1/2012
Authors:
TERRENCE REAL, LICSW
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, PHD
WENDY T. BEHARY, MSW, LCSW
CLIFTON MITCHELL, PHD
JOYANNA SILBERG, PHD
WILLIAM DOHERTY, PH.D.
CLOE MADANES, HDL, LIC
Product:
NRC095865
Page 1 of 1 (9 Items)
Therapy, the Conversational Craft
Strategies for Improving Your Therapeutic Conversation Skills
By Bill Doherty - In this era of medical necessity and evidence-based therapies, it's easy to lose sight of the basic truth that psychotherapy is a special form of conversation: we heal not through prescriptions and procedures, but through talking and listening. What if we think of therapy as a conversational craft that we hone over a career with our clients and with a community of conversational healers?
Daily Blog
Why We Shouldn't Be Neutral about Divorce
Divorced Couples Are Saying Something Important about Regret
By William Doherty - When I began my therapy practice, I was strictly neutral about divorce. It was the clients’ decision, not mine. But eventually, I was propelled out of my denial about the seriousness of divorce. We have a hundred ways to ask “What would be right for you?” and hardly any to ask “What would be right for others in your life?”
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Addressing Political Stress in the Consulting Room
Reevaluating What's Appropriate to Discuss in Therapy
It's no surprise that, with all the political infighting going on, many people are anxious about the direction of our country. But is there room to discuss political matters with clients, or does this constitute an ethical breach? According to therapist Bill Doherty, clinicians are not only well-equipped to discuss politics, but sometimes have a duty to do so. In the following video clip from his 2017 Networker Symposium Keynote address, Doherty explains how to get the ball rolling.
Daily Blog
When Stagnation Sets In
Getting Off the Therapeutic Plateau
By William Doherty - Why do we get stuck in "Groundhog Day therapy"—cases in which we spin our wheels from session to session? Before lurching on to alternative treatment strategies, the key to progress is recognizing the need to shift the therapist–client relationship.
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Bill Doherty on the Mission of the "Citizen Therapist"
Taking Your Work Beyond the Consulting Room
Most therapists would consider themselves agents of change for their clients. But can (and should) they become voices for change in the larger community? What about when it comes to weighing in on political matters? According to therapist Bill Doherty, clinicians have the capability—and sometimes a duty—to speak up.
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Bill Doherty Explains Why Therapy Isn't a Science...
...It's a Conversational Craft
What do the masters of truly good therapy have in common? According to couples therapist Bill Doherty, they know how to balance their desire to guide therapy with their ability to empathically listen. It's this quality that drives home the truth about therapy—at its heart, this work isn't a science. It's a craft.
Daily Blog
Is Therapy About Transformation, or Small Breakthroughs?
Learning to Separate Our Hopes for Our Clients from Their Goals for Themselves
By William Doherty - Are therapists more like shamans or family doctors? Explorers of human depths or more like Siri on your iPhone, just directing you from one place to another? I'm a skeptic about whether any clinical approach is good at getting clients consistently to the promised land of transformation. Maybe therapy is better understood as being about breakthroughs—small, medium, and large—rather than about transformation.
Daily Blog
Can We Help Heal Divided Communities?
One Therapist Hits the Road with the Better Angels to Find Out
By William Doherty - After the 2016 Presidential election, I discovered a new professional mission—to work on healing the divide among ordinary Americans—or in couples therapy terms, to prevent a long-term civic divorce. Through an organization called Better Angels, I decided to embark on a bus tour to see what I could learn about shifting the standoff between Red and Blue America.
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Bill Doherty on the Rewards of Civic Commitment
Creating Space for a Conversation About Civic Commitments
Sometimes our clients have commitments to groups or causes that enrich their lives and social connections. But very often, says couples therapist Bill Doherty, therapists don't inquire about these elements of our clients' lives. In fact, he adds, there seems to be a bias against doing so. In the following clip from his 2017 Networker Symposium Keynote address, Doherty explains how exploring civic commitments can also advance therapy.
Daily Blog
VIDEO: Bill Doherty on the New Challenges of Social Engagement
Being an Effective, Ethical Therapist in an Age of Political Upheaval
What does it mean to be a dutiful citizen and an effective therapist in the modern day? This is the central question Bill Doherty posed in his keynote address at the 2017 Networker Symposium. In the following video clip from that speech, Doherty explains how we can effectively and ethically deal with political stress in the consulting room.
Daily Blog
Therapy and Transformation
What Are We Promising Our Clients?
Decades ago, trainees in our field were imbued with the notion that therapy was about transformation: big, dramatic changes in the direction of self-actualization. Was this an overpromise? And now, when the average length of therapy in the United States is less than eight sessions, is it even desired by clients anymore, or necessary for successful therapy?
Magazine Article
Is There Hope for a Divided America?
Tales from the Better Angels Bus Tour
There’s a troubling trend toward viewing people who differ from us politically not just as uninformed or misguided, but as ill-motivated and dangerous. Through an organization called Better Angels, a couples therapist and an intrepid group of other concerned citizens embark on a bus tour to see what they can learn about shifting the standoff between Red and Blue America.
Magazine Article
The Courage to Connect
Highlights from the 2017 Symposium
Year after year, therapists have come to the Networker Symposium expecting to escape the turbulence of everyday life and the real world. But this year, attendees came seeking something more—a renewed vision of what we stand for and what our role might be in a toxically polarized society. Here are some of the moments that captured the distinctive flavor of this year’s gathering.
- The Search for Connection by Rich Simon
- The Physics of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
- Therapy in the Age of Trump by William Doherty
- Psychotherapy of the Heart by Joan Borysenko
- The Science of Consciousness by Dan Siegel
Magazine Article
Psychotherapy's Pilgrimage
Shaping the Consciousness of Our Time
Despite what grad school textbooks may imply, therapy movements are more than a set of theories and techniques. They’re about what it means to be a human being at a particular time amid all the forces that shape a culture. Here, a therapist who entered the field at the same time the Networker made its debut brings to life 40 years of the key moments in psychotherapy’s unfolding, exploring both how the field was influenced by social changes and how the consciousness of our times—and our view of what it means to be a fully realized person—have been transformed by the intimate conversations that take place in our consulting rooms.
Magazine Article
Reflections on the Divorce Revolution
Assessing Our Impact
When it comes to helping couples considering divorce, therapists have a hundred ways to ask “What’s right for you?” but often find themselves tongue-tied when it comes to asking “What’s right for the others in your life?” Is it possible to talk about interpersonal responsibility without shaming clients and driving them away?
Magazine Article
New Choices for New Times
To stay relevant in a changing world, we need to address the engagement styles of today’s prospective clients.
Magazine Article
When Therapy Is Going Nowhere
Escaping the “Groundhog Day” Cycle
Why do we get stuck in “Groundhog Day therapy”—cases in which we spin our wheels from session to session? Before lurching on to alternative treatment strategies, the key to progress is recognizing the need to shift the therapist–client relationship.
Magazine Article
One Brick at a Time
Therapy is More Craft Than Art or Science
In this era of medical necessity and evidence-based therapies, it’s easy to lose sight of a basic truth. We heal not through prescriptions and procedures, but through talking and listening.
Magazine Article
In Or Out?
Treating the Mixed-Agenda Couple
At least 30 percent of couples coming to therapy have fundamentally different agendas about whether to try to save the marriage. If we’re ever going to improve our success rates, we need to address that ambivalence from the moment they arrive in our offices.
Magazine Article
Beyond the Consulting Room
Therapists as catalysts of social change
Too much is at stake these days for us to take refuge in our practices after the election. In such challenging times, therapists need to create for themselves a new professional role as agents of social change, not just critics of what isn't changing.
Magazine Article
William Doherty, Ph.D., is a professor and director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota. His books include Helping Couples on the Brink of Divorce: Discernment Counseling for Troubled Relationships, with Steven Harris. He is cofounder of Better Angels, an initiative to depolarize America.
