Ep. 1: You Need Help to Help Her

De: Esther Perel

Narrado por: Esther Perel

[Contains mature themes] Free for a limited time for Audible members. A husband and wife are united in their desire to help their daughter, two years after she suffered a breakdown and moved home, shutting herself off from her family and friends. Esther urges them to examine the way pressure and expectations – no matter how well-intentioned – can shape a child’s upbringing.©2017 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC

Needed antidote to pervasive norms on handling a depressed loved one

This is the first time I’ve heard Ms. (Dr. ?)
Perel approach family dynamics outside of one-on-one intimate relationships. In this case, it’s a couple perplexed by the onset of a serious mood disorder for their college aged daughter.

What drew me to Ms. Perel, when I first heard her on This American Life, was her ability to challenge her patients while remaining deeply and genuinely empathetic toward their suffering. As popular as the antidote:

Suffering Person: “Why me, God?”
God: “Why not?”

Is in American culture; I’ve only seen that mentality promoted by people in denial about the mechanisms of their own pain and - perhaps more relevant in a culture still so thoroughly influenced by organized Christianity’s emphasis on the selfless ideal - the pain they’re spreading to those who love and possibly depend on them.

Ms. Perel seems prepared for the fact that most of her American patients enter the room clinging at least partially to the above referenced ideal, and possesses the ability to guide these patients to a more nuanced view that appears to help them feel more compassion toward themselves and whoever else is involved.

After this first episode of Season 2, I can say that Ms. Perel appears to be able to apply her gifts to family dynamics that extend beyond the individual couple.

Real Stories

loved it. not a struggle to finish, wish there was more! even if I am not going through the same struggles as the others, I still take notes and find something to take away from each personal story.

Beautiful work captured in a therapeutic session.

Would you consider the audio edition of Ep. 1: You Need Help to Help Her to be better than the print version?

First, the production is wonderfully done. Sound quality, pace, music interludes, narrative annotations and clients' content in the prologue. Great work! I am a clinical social worker and find this to be amazingly insightful and affirming to my work with my clients.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the french guy with his girlfriend because it shoes the power of adaptation available when the system is overwhelmed.

Another great session

I just love her logic and how it is all drawn into and it to an intriguing story that truly helps bring resolution to a family because they were able to see a new perspective

Esther is magic

Esther Perel's wisdom is both objective and compassionate, and it makes her a joy to listen to. Every episode of her podcast is gold when it comes to learning about how to navigate our relationships. But this one is especially ideal for parents struggling with depression in their children. Fascinating and thought-provoking whether you're a parent or not.