July/August 2021 Necessary Illusions: Do You See What I See?

This issue explores the concept of illusions and self-deceptions and how they often serve a useful purpose for those experiencing them, despite ostensibly causing emotional discomfort and pain. Articles examine reframing negative thought patterns, the creative and generative aspects of adolescent delusions, and how therapy functions in part due to benign illusions about best practices. Other pieces cover the threat response of appease in clients of color and how to respond to it, a personal reflection on dealing with your pain after a client’s suicide, navigating #MeToo issues in couples therapy, and a conversation about therapists’ transparency and vulnerability with clinician and author John Kim.