Before You Begin

Starting therapy can feel daunting, confusing, a little abstract.

Philosopher Alain de Botton’s 13-minute video offers a grounded and compassionate introduction to why therapy matters—and what it really asks of us. It focuses not on techniques or labels, but on how therapy helps us better understand ourselves, our patterns, and our emotional histories. It’s a beautifully accessible piece of psychoeducation—whether you’re just beginning or reconnecting with the reason you started.

Alain is the founder of The School of Life, an organisation dedicated to emotional wellbeing through philosophy, culture, and self-understanding.