When Therapy Works (and When It Doesn't) with Dr. Katherine Seldin, PhD

Ever wondered if therapy is right for you? In this episode, postdoctoral fellow Katherine Seldin breaks down everything you need to know about finding the right therapist, what to expect in your sessions, and when therapy might (or might not) be the right fit.

Katherine's expertise in emotional impulsivity, mood disorders, and evidence-based therapies makes her the perfect guide through the often confusing world of mental health care.

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:30 Therapy's Universal Benefits

00:02:56 Finding The Right Therapist

00:08:04 Therapeutic Alliance Importance

00:14:52 Therapy Intake Process

00:22:52 Questions To Ask Therapists

00:24:59 Telehealth Vs. In-Person Therapy

00:27:11 When Therapy Isn't A Fit

00:32:35 Ending Therapy Positively

00:34:37 Alternatives To Talk Therapy

Could therapy benefit everyone? Katherine believes some form of therapy could help anyone, but finding the right match is crucial. She explains why therapy "not working" usually means the fit wasn't right—not that therapy itself is ineffective.

Discover practical tips for finding your ideal therapist, including:

• How to navigate the "alphabet soup" of credentials (PhD, LCSW, LMFT)
• Using Psychology Today and insurance websites as starting points
• When matching with a therapist who shares your background matters
• What the research says about therapeutic alliance (that chemistry between you and your therapist)
  

Katherine takes you through what to expect in your first sessions, explaining why the intake process, though sometimes daunting, is a valuable opportunity for self-reflection rather than just retelling your story.

She also addresses important questions about therapy logistics:

• Why therapy sometimes feels worse before it gets better
• The pros and cons of virtual versus in-person sessions
• Questions you should ask your therapist
• How to recognize when it's time to change therapists or end therapy
• The importance of proper closure when therapy ends

Not sure therapy is for you? Katherine shares effective alternatives, from developing strong social support networks to exploring mindfulness and meditation practices with proven benefits for mental wellbeing.

Whether you're therapy-curious or looking to get more from your current therapeutic relationship, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence.

Connect with Katherine Seldin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-seldin/

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