#122 - Lori Gottlieb: Understanding pain, therapeutic breakthroughs, and keys to emotional health
Summary

In this episode of The Drive Podcast, host Peter Etia interviews Laurie Gottlieb, a psychotherapist and author of the New York Times best-selling book "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone." The book follows the stories of four patients and one therapist (Gottlieb) as they go through their struggles, highlighting the human condition and our similarities. Gottlieb also has a new podcast called "Dear Therapists" with co-host Guy Winch, where they offer insights into everyday challenges and guide patients through them.

Gottlieb's journey to becoming a therapist was non-linear, starting in the entertainment industry before being encouraged to attend medical school by an ER physician consultant on the set of "ER." She eventually found her way to psychotherapy and has been helping individuals and couples transform and grow as people ever since.

The podcast covers several stories from Gottlieb's book, including that of a woman named Julie who, despite having a terminal illness, chooses to work at Trader Joe's because it brings her joy and allows her to make a positive impact on people's lives. The podcast also discusses a difficult patient named John, who initially insults the therapist but eventually reveals his deep-seated emotional pain, leading to a breakthrough in therapy.

The conversation also touches on the importance of building a strong relationship between the therapist and the patient, and how therapy is different from medical procedures because it depends on the individual and their willingness to change. The podcast emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and seeking help when needed, and that emotional health is just as important as physical health.

Overall, this episode of The Drive Podcast provides valuable insights into the world of therapy and the transformative power of change. It encourages listeners to seek help when needed and to prioritize their emotional and mental health.