In Conversation | Journalist Robin Goudsmit Talks with Lena Bril About Her New Book 'In Therapy'

Why do so many people seek help from a therapist or coach? What goes on behind the closed doors of therapy rooms? Is therapy a solution to the mental health crisis, or part of the problem? Journalist and philosopher Lena Bril, who has been in and out of therapy with a mental health psychologist and psychiatrist for the past ten years, immersed herself in the world of coaching and therapy for an entire year. She shadowed a burnout coach, observed horse therapy, participated in family constellations, underwent psychedelic therapy, and joined a circle for women with ADHD. With an empathetic eye and a critical mind, she describes these various therapeutic realms, painting a picture of a country struggling with mental issues and hoping to emerge through therapy. Along the way, the question arises: how does Bril herself overcome her mental challenges? LENA BRIL (1992) is a journalist and philosopher who has quickly become one of the sharpest thinkers of her generation. She writes essays and reports for the Volkskrant and De Groene Amsterdammer. In Trouw, she offers bi-weekly advice to readers on modern life issues. ROBIN GOUDSMIT (1992) has entered journalism as a lateral entrant. She studied International Relations and Philosophy at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. After attaining both bachelor's degrees, she completed the Research Master in Cultural Analysis at the University of Amsterdam. During her studies, she interned at the weekly magazine De Groene Amsterdammer. In 2019, she was invited to become a trainee at the daily newspaper Trouw, where she began her role as a journalist in January 2020.