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Relationships31 August 2026

On Again/Off Again | Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Esther Perel

Renowned therapist Esther Perel works with a couple caught in a nearly twenty-year on-and-off relationship cycle complicated by depression, shame, and parenting challenges. The session explores how addressing past trauma and emotional shutdown can help rebuild trust, communication, and intimacy.

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On this week's episode of Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel: This is a classic session of Where Should We Begin? They've been on and off for almost 20 years. While she takes care of his and their child, she wants to know that he's also there for her. He's been battling depression for years. And the shame that comes with it. Chapters 01:22 What Brings Them Back Together? 03:30 What Makes Him Shut Down? 05:54 What Happened During His Darkest Years? 11:57 Can She Trust Him Again? 15:16 How Do You Become a Father Without a Model? 18:24 What If He’s Afraid of Failing? 23:37 What Happens When Silence Takes Over? 27:03 Where Did This Fear Begin? 32:46 What Does He Really Want From Them? 38:26 Can He Learn to Receive Love? 43:00 What Does Marriage Say About Our Worth? 45:49 Can Touch Become a Safe Harbor? 48:02 What Changes When You Feel Loved? About Where Should We Begin?: 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. About Esther Perel: Psychotherapist, relationship expert, and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 40 million views and her bestselling books, Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into more than 30 languages. Esther is also the host of the hit podcast Where Should We Begin? which is available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more at EstherPerel.com or subscribe to her Substack Entre Nous for bonus content.

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