Dope Therapy: A Radical Guide to Owning Your Therapy Journey

by Shani Tran

Seeking help is hard. Dope Therapy makes it easier.

For many people, there is fear and stigma associated with entering the therapy room. Maybe you’ve been told that going to therapy means something is wrong with you. Maybe you don’t know what to expect. Even if you recognize the benefits of seeking help, it can feel scary and unknown to take that first step. If you’ve thought about therapy but don’t know where to start, or if you’ve tried therapy in the past but it hasn’t helped, Dope Therapy is for you. 

With humor and compassion, author and therapist Shani Tran validates the anxiety that can arise around seeking counseling and offers guidance for navigating the uncomfortable conversations that can come up in therapy. She is with you each step of the way, from finding the right therapist to determining when you’ve reached the end of your therapy journey. Get answers to your questions,
 
  •  Why isn’t therapy working?
  •  What if I don’t want to take medication?
  •  How do I deal with all these feelings?
  •  What will happen if I tell my therapist that I’m having suicidal thoughts?
  •  How do I break up with my therapist?

"What a breath of fresh air! This book lays out everything you need to know about therapy and how to navigate it - especially if you are BIPOC, queer, or young. Finally, a fun, accessible book that can guide people to the help they need." —Ryan Schwartz, founder, Mental Health Match

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2022

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was written for those who are considering or curious about therapy, how to go about it, and speaks to the self-stigma or apprehension that individuals may experience when contemplating therapy. As someone in the field, I really like how Shani Tran (author) explained EVERYTHING to consider and more when it comes to navigating how to choose a therapist and what to expect, etc (I won’t give away too much). While I am familiar with providing therapy, I found this book refreshing, as it’s easy to get caught up and forget the vulnerability of being in the client chair and the process of beginning therapy (for the first time or in finding a new therapist). Shani Tran is an American black author and therapist and offers a perspective I don’t have as a non-black therapist and person. However, the book is not specifically written for black Americans. As a white Canadian, I found a lot of useful knowledge and wisdom in this book. Overall, Dope Therapy was easy to read and relate to, well written, and well thought out.

[Rachel Fearing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough! This book is for anyone who has wondered if they should go to therapy, has been struggling and doesn’t know how to get started, or is currently in therapy and would like a little more guidance on the process.
What I liked most about this book is that she broke down the process chapter by chapter and explained everything from the difference between using insurance and self pay, the billing process, and even down to the type of forms you will fill out before your first session. This is so helpful for those that have anxiety and become overwhelmed with getting started with therapy. Each chapter has a recap of important points covered which I also found helpful.
She spoke about how to find a therapist, making sure your therapist is a good fit and encourages you to meet with multi therapist until you find the right fit for you. She discusses what a healthy and appropriate therapy relationship looks like and red flags on both sides.
I would recommend this book to anyone that told me they have thought of going to therapy but was nervous. I wish every medical specialty had a book like this!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU HAD ME AT SCHEMA 💕

10,000 stars if I could.
I’m currently in grad school, and a future therapist. This honestly is so amazing and will definitely recommend folks who are just starting their therapy journey, are therapy-curious, on a waitlist, or seasoned but curious to get a better experience out of your time.

So good.

[sigh ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

very accessible! insightful for those seeking therapy and not knowing where to start and also a little check for psy-professionals for some reflection on the supports they provide and in what capacities.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me realize I need to go back to therapy, different perspectives for therapy, and when things aren't working in therapy.

[Elizabeth Goad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful and validating. Do recommend to anyone who has considered therapy but didn't know where to start