Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Esther Perel Global Media

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Society & Culture Self-Improvement Mental Health English

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others. So…where should we begin? Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Esther Calling - Stuck Between My Daughter and My Husband

Esther Calling - Stuck Between My Daughter and My Husband

A mother comes to Esther for help dealing with the escalating conflicts between her husband and their teenage daughter. She's tired of being caught in the middle and blamed by both sides. Together, they explore the family dynamics and the need for both parents to take responsibility for the relational space they share.Topic - Relationships with Family & FriendsEsther Callings are a one time,...

Ms. Entitlement and Mr. Sacrifice Out on a Date

Ms. Entitlement and Mr. Sacrifice Out on a Date

This is a classic session of Where Should We Begin? An on-again, off-again couple in their fifties, dating in a post-divorce landscape, are struggling with different world views, priorities and sexual interests. Recognizing that their polarized dynamic takes the fun out of spending time together, Esther guides both towards less rigid perspectives.Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights,...

I Can't Love You the Way You Want Me To

I Can't Love You the Way You Want Me To

Their relationship is on the edge. They're grappling with communication issues and the emotional scars from their past. And they're trapped. Trapped in an endless cycle of blame, defensiveness, and attack. Esther tries to help them notice their patterns of escalation and break the cycle they keep finding themselves in. Topic - Conflict & PolarizationWant to learn more? Receive monthly...

Esther Calling - Do You Love Me for Me or For What I Do for You?

Esther Calling - Do You Love Me for Me or For What I Do for You?

"Am I too much?" is a consistent frame for a relationship that so many people come to Esther with. This week, a Southern preacher who has made a career out of tending to the needs of others wonders if she's too much or not enough in her romantic relationships. Esther guides her to explore her sense of self-worth and ask for what she needs. Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute...

Esther Calling - To Forgive My Ex-Husband I Need to Forgive Myself First

Esther Calling - To Forgive My Ex-Husband I Need to Forgive Myself First

Esther talks with a young divorcée about the challenges of co-parenting with her ex-husband while wrestling with feelings of anger and frustration. They explore the impact of her past traumas and the difficulties in communication that have led to this strained relationship and how to evolve for the sake of her kids.Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with...

You are Vocal on the Criticism But Silent on the Compliments

You are Vocal on the Criticism But Silent on the Compliments

She feels abandoned by him, he feels choked by her, and their marriage is at a tipping point. They are a couple so focused on their kids that they have lost their connection and their sense of self. Despite creating a life story where family is the center of everything, they feel completely alone. Can Esther help them write a new story?Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and...

Esther Perel Invites Us to Imagine Our Preferred Future

Esther Perel Invites Us to Imagine Our Preferred Future

We all know the difference between being alive and feeling alive. The state of the world has many of us struggling with threat and uncertainty, both of which immediately constrict our imagination and our ability to face the unknown with curiosity and discovery. Join Esther Perel for a live conversation on the Vox Media Podcast Stage at South By Southwest with futurist Amy Webb and innovation...

Leaving the Shame Behind

Leaving the Shame Behind

This is a classic session of Where Should We Begin? A young couple has endured a series of crises early in their marriage, from a benign brain tumor to a serious car crash to the husband’s near-fatal heart attack. Following his recovery, he’s adapting to new physical limitations, while she says the children bear the brunt of his frustrations. Esther coaches them through an honest conversation on...

Esther Calling - No Longer Daddy's Little Girl

Esther Calling - No Longer Daddy's Little Girl

Esther speaks to a woman who has been estranged from her father for almost two years for reasons she can’t quite figure out. Despite multiple attempts on her end to reconcile, she is now trying to grieve the loss of her still very much-alive father. Esther helps her unravel questions about starting her own family amidst this painful cutoff. Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute...

Esther Calling - I Can Break up with Him But I'm Still Stuck With Myself

24 February 2025

Esther Calling - I Can Break up with Him But I'm Still Stuck With Myself

Esther talks with a woman who is contemplating ending her five-year long-distance relationship. She reflects on avoidant behavior, stemming from a fear of intimacy and rejection, and the complex dynamics of her family background. Esther helps her confront these deeply rooted fears, encouraging her to vocalize her needs and to realize that not everything negative is about her. The conversation...