In this very fun episode of the Being Well Podcast, 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.
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
