In this very fun episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest open the mailbag and answer questions from listeners about people pleasing, the potential (and pitfalls) of using AI as a therapist, and what to do when you develop strong feelings for your therapist. They discuss existential themes like aloneness and agency, whether Gandalf would have made a good therapist, and close with some heartfelt thoughts about what supports a long and loving relationship.
Rick’s Attachment Course: Rick is offering a 5-week course on healing insecure attachment that helps people work through attachment issues and improve their relationships. All the sessions are up now, and there's a live Q&A event on May 27, 2025 at 12pm PT via Zoom. You can learn more at RickHanson.com/attachment and get 25% off with coupon code BeingWell25.
Key Topics:
0:00: Introduction and Opening Banter
2:50: Question 1: People-Pleasing vs. Prosocial Advice for Depression
6:10: Follow-Up: Do We Train Others to Ignore Our Needs?
11:20: Creating Reciprocal Relationships
12:23: Question 2: AI as a Therapist
31:16: Question 3: Sexual Transference in Therapy
39:56: Question 4: Is Remembering That We’re ‘Ultimately Alone’ Helpful?
56:55: Question 5: What’s the Secret to a Long and Happy Marriage?
1:07:13: Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.
Sponsors
Head to acornsearly.com/beingwell or download the Acorns Early app to help your kids grow their money skills today.
Get Notion Mail for free right now at notion.com/beingwell, and try the inbox that thinks like you
For a limited time, get Headspace FREE for 60 days. Go to Headspace.com/BEINGWELL60.
Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell.
Go to ZOE.com and find out what ZOE Membership could do for you. Use code WELL10 to get 10% off membership.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
