The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients

Explain Yalom’s approach to Openness and Equality in the Therapist-Patient Relationship. What concrete actions must therapists take to create this interpersonal dynamic?

In Yalom’s opinion, why are the events of the “here-and-now” so significant? How can therapists make the most of these interactions in their sessions? Explain.

Yalom believes that therapists should be open to all schools of psychological thought and approaches to therapy. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

What strategies does Yalom suggest therapists must take to help patients who bore, confuse, or antagonize them? Explain with references to the text.

How, according to Yalom, should therapists approach existential issues in their sessions? Why does he think it is important to do so?

According to Yalom, what are three concrete steps therapists can take to better understand their patients’ interpersonal relationships? Explain each one and analyze which might be the most effective.

Why does Yalom believe that dreams and dream analysis can be important in therapy? Explain with references to the text.

Do you agree with all of Yalom’s advice and suggestions? Explain why or why not.