HeyJaredJonathan Shedler
Psychologist | Author | Professor. Writing about psychology, psychiatry, & psychotherapy.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 12
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- Sep 28, 2026
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- Jul 13, 2026
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16 Psychoanalytic Concepts for Our Time (opens the original)
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Author’s note: This is an updated version of an essay I first published a year ago, just after launching this Substack. It introduces foundational psychoanalytic concepts that my writing here builds on, and I’m republishing it for the many readers who haven’t seen it. New essay next week.Psychological dysfunction takes different forms in different places and times. Conversion symptoms like psychogenic blindness, paralysis, and glove anesthesia were apparently common in Victorian-era Vienna, but
Masochism: When Suffering Becomes a Way of Life (opens the original)
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Some psychotherapy patients cling to suffering as if it were a golden claim ticket. This is masochism.Common sense tells us people seek pleasure and avoid pain. Yet some people consistently seem to do the opposite, despite their best conscious efforts. It’s as if pain has a secret draw, invisible to others and to the person themselves.Suffering as a claim ticketThe form of masochism I discuss here (there are others) has also been called victim entitlement. It is the unconscious conviction that o
23 Markers of Psychological Health (opens the original)
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Among experienced psychologists and psychiatrists, there is remarkable consensus about the qualities that define healthy psychological functioning.The descriptions below come from large empirical studies in which thousands of experienced psychologists and psychiatrists described a hypothetical person with “ideal” psychological health.Qualities of ideal psychological healthIs able to use their talents, abilities, and energy effectively and productively. Enjoys challenges; takes pleasure in accomp
The 7 Principles of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (opens the original)
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Author’s note: For the holiday weekend, I’m sharing this video on the seven principles of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. It’s a concise, jargon-free introduction to in-depth psychotherapy aimed at insight and self-awareness—and a richer, freer, and fuller life. New essay next week.This 11-minute video is especially helpful for newer therapists and anyone dipping their toe in the waters of psychodynamic thinking and therapy. Topics include: emotional life, defense
When the Therapy Relationship Is the Problem (opens the original)
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For some people in psychotherapy, the core psychological issue is difficulty with relationships. They cannot form relationships with others, or they cannot maintain them. It should not surprise us when these patients want to end the therapy relationship before the real therapy begins, or make the clinician want to end it.This is the work. This is why they need therapy.If the therapy is going to address what’s psychologically meaningful, then the focus must be on what goes wrong in the person’s r
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