The Human Encounter: Ben Yalom on Therapy, Theater, and Meaning

In this rich and thoughtful conversation, therapist and theater-maker Ben Yalom joins Travis Heath to explore the relational heart of psychotherapy, the influence of existential thought, and the role embodiment can play in therapeutic change. Ben reflects on collaborating with his father, Irvin Yalom, on Hour of the Heart, discusses tensions between manualized treatment and authentic human encounter, and shares how his background in experimental theater informs his emerging therapeutic work. Together, they examine narrative therapy, mortality, meaning, ethics, and the possibilities that emerge when therapy becomes less about expertise and more about genuine connection. This episode invites clinicians to think deeply about how they practice and why. The post The Human Encounter: Ben Yalom on Therapy, Theater, and Meaning appeared first on Psychotherapy.net.