Phil Stark
@pbstarkok.bsky.social
📤 7583
📥 1094
📝 68
Therapist, Author, Screenwriter, Dad
https://www.starktalktherapy.com
https://linktr.ee/philstark
pinned post!
Are you unhappy with your relationship? Would you like it to be more satisfying, less antagonistic, and just plain happier? If so, I can help! Check out my new book, How to Win at Couples Therapy
#HTWACT
www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3NW8P6...
loading . . .
How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship
How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship [Stark, Phil] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3NW8P61/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
6 months ago
0
1
0
Our latest
@psychologytoday.com
post is up -- all about
#anger
in
#relationships
--
#mentalthealth
#therapy
#tacos
Anger Traps: Why We Set Traps to Enable Anger | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Anger Traps: Why We Set Traps to Enable Anger
It's often the case that we find ourselves angry at our partners. Sometimes we even set traps to create opportunities for anger and to feel justified in it.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202509/anger-traps-why-we-set-traps-to-enable-anger
5 days ago
0
2
0
Tune in today at 11am PST for my
#reddit
AMA! Will be plenty of good Q&A about
#screenwriting
#mentalhealth
#therapy
#tacos
www.reddit.com/r/Screenwrit...
loading . . .
From the Screenwriting community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the Screenwriting community
https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/1nkdawn/im_phil_stark_therapist_and_screenwriter_dude/
9 days ago
1
3
0
Smart move
@newyorker.com
dropping the question mark to avoid residual payment!
#DWMC
14 days ago
0
2
0
I'm doing a
#reddit
#AMA
next week on Thursday, September 18th, at 11am PST / 2pm EST, about the relationship between screenwriting, mental health, and the creative process. But you can ask anything, of course, so if you have any Q's, mark it on your calendar. Link to come!
17 days ago
0
1
0
Simple but true!
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/w...
loading . . .
How Exercise Fights Anxiety and Depression
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/well/move/exercise-mental-health-depression.html?unlocked_article_code=1.k08.z3kC.GQ9dg5Ud9o1f&smid=url-share
17 days ago
0
4
2
Check out our latest Psychology Today post - it's about resolving issues with our parents
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
The Unsent Letter: Expressing Unprocessed Feelings About Our Parents | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
The Unsent Letter: Expressing Unprocessed Feelings About Our Parents
Many of the issues that bring us to therapy begin with our parents, and writing a letter to them is a way to organize and express the emotions behind these issues.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202509/the-unsent-letter-expressing-unprocessed-feelings-about-our
23 days ago
0
2
1
Check out our latest
@psychologytoday.com
article -- It's about tracking our lives emotional charts
#talktherapy
#mentalhealth
#tacos
Life's Financial Charts | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Life's Financial Charts
Our moods can be turbulent in the short term, with periods of sadness eclipsing joy, but in therapy, we work towards the goal of a longer-term chart that trends towards happiness.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202508/lifes-financial-charts
about 2 months ago
0
3
1
Exciting to see
#DWMC
and
#HTWACT
right behind
@melrobbins.bsky.social
on the bestseller list at the
@hudsonbooks.bsky.social
at @hollywoodBUR airport!
#MentalHealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
about 2 months ago
0
2
0
Therapist office lobby playing Khruangbin >>> ???
#khruangbin
#talktherapy
#lobbies
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Phil Stark
Stardust 🌏🎬
about 2 months ago
Without a smile, a laugh, a creative quip or two in your feed? Can’t have that! This pack is chock full of incredibly cool inspirational writers, comedians, and core Dem sources for your perusal. A follow all pack fully vetted with love & stardust. 🥰💫✨💫
add a skeleton here at some point
24
92
69
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zdb...
loading . . .
BONUS EPISODE! Writer Turned Therapist, Phil Stark, Says Jay Should Have Given Up By Now
YouTube video by Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZdbnfuteQQ
about 2 months ago
0
2
0
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a writer on the first season of South Park? Well have I got the article for you...
#southpark
#tacos
www.cracked.com/article_4748...
loading . . .
This Is What It Was Like to Work As A Writer for Trey Parker and Matt Stone During the First Season of ‘South Park’
‘On a typical show, you come in with pitches and you pitch your take, then the showrunners maybe pick a couple that they like and they do them. With Matt and Trey, we all came in and pitched our takes...
https://www.cracked.com/article_47486_this-is-what-it-was-like-to-work-as-a-writer-for-trey-parker-and-matt-stone-during-the-first-season-of-south-park.html
2 months ago
0
1
0
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/w...
loading . . .
How Exercise Fights Anxiety and Depression
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/well/move/exercise-mental-health-depression.html?unlocked_article_code=1.YU8.cGWM.dGAR_2S1sAZ5&smid=url-share
2 months ago
0
0
0
Happy National Ice Cream Day! To celebrate, we're collabing with
@jenisicecreams.bsky.social
@saltandstraw and
@baskinrobbinsus.bsky.social
on a
#HTWACT
flavor, described as tasting bittersweet and satisfying - stop by for a free scoop today!
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#icecream
2 months ago
0
1
0
Our latest
@psychologytoday.com
article is up, exploring how decision making in life is similar to decision making in
#poker
#mentalhealth
#TalkTherapy
#tacos
The Poker Game of Life | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
The Poker Game of Life
In life, we make the best decisions we can with the information available at the time, but the results are not always within our control.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202507/the-poker-game-of-life
2 months ago
0
1
0
Thrilled to announce my book
#HTWACT
is on the shelf at
@barnesandnoble.com
— and not only that, it’s in multiple sections. Thanks to Managers Todd and Joanne for their support!
#MentalHealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
3 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Phil Stark
Andy Bowers
3 months ago
325
14552
1467
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/w...
loading . . .
Can ‘Reparenting’ Yourself Make You Happier?
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/well/mind/psych101-reparenting.html?unlocked_article_code=1.VU8.l0is.8O9ZNKGgWXiJ&smid=url-share
3 months ago
0
1
0
Check out my latest
@psychologytoday.com
article about Writer's Block -- ironically it was easy to write!
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
Creative Crop Rotation: How to Overcome Writer's Block | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Creative Crop Rotation: How to Overcome Writer's Block
Writer's block and burnout are a normal part of the creative process. Here's a way to overcome them.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202506/creative-crop-rotation-how-to-overcome-writers-block
3 months ago
0
4
2
Pleased to report my books
#HTWACT
and
#DWMC
are the number 1 and 2 Best Sellers at the Hollywood Burbank airport
@hudsonbooks.bsky.social
location!
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
3 months ago
0
4
1
A new
@psychologytoday.com
article about a person many of us know all too well -- the Inner Critic!
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
Be Your Own Best Friend | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Be Your Own Best Friend
We are often our own worst enemies, critical of ourselves in ways that our friends are not.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202506/be-your-own-best-friend
4 months ago
0
4
1
Ever wonder what it would look like if I wrote a @cnbc column? Well, wonder no more!
www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/c...
loading . . .
Couples who follow 1 simple rule tend to fight less and be happier in the long run, says relationship expert
Phil Stark, a therapist who works with couples, encourages partners to 'make deposits' into their 'relationship bank account.' Here's how to do it.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/couples-who-use-a-relationship-bank-account-tend-to-fight-less-be-happier-says-relationship-expert.html
4 months ago
0
2
0
I had a nice chat with
@joypress.bsky.social
at
@vanityfair.com
about the state of the Entertainment Industry (not great, Bob!) and how it looks from the perspective of a therapist / former screenwriter
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
loading . . .
Hollywood Therapists Meet the Moment: “If You’re Not Dispirited Right Now, You’re Dissociative”
With the entertainment industry in rough shape, everybody in LA is seeking shrinks and life coaches—or becoming shrinks and life coaches.
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/hollywood-therapists-meet-the-moment-if-youre-not-dispirited-right-now-youre-dissociative
4 months ago
0
4
3
Check out our latest post on
@psychologytoday.com
-- it's about the effectiveness of individual therapy and couples therapy in combination
#couplestherapy
#mentalhealth
#tacos
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
How to Use Individual Therapy to Prepare for Couples Therapy
How I work with clients to process their feelings and needs into a script they can then take to share in couples therapy.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202505/how-to-use-individual-therapy-to-prepare-for-couples-therapy
4 months ago
0
2
3
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/w...
loading . . .
What I Learned When I Went Back to My Old Therapist
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/well/visitng-old-therapist.html?unlocked_article_code=1.K08.op7V.1BsSnMZyfzeh&smid=url-share
4 months ago
0
0
0
I had a wonderful conversation with Ilana Cohn-Sullivan and Cristina Fernandez Allen on the That's So Mental podcast -- relationships, the midlife experience, pets, and doorknob confessions!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
loading . . .
Going Full Doorknob With Phil Stark
Podcast Episode · That's So Mental · 05/21/2025 · 47m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-mental/id1781308675?i=1000709250085
4 months ago
0
3
0
Check out our latest
@psychologytoday.com
article -- it's about the difference between how we treat our partners versus how we treat our children
#mentalhealth
#CouplesTherapy
#tacos
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Can Good Parenting Skills Ease Partner Conflicts?
We sometimes treat our partners differently, and often worse, than we treat other people in our lives, but we can learn how to change that.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202505/can-good-parenting-skills-ease-partner-conflicts
4 months ago
0
0
1
Had a wonderful conversation with Austin Cross on Airtalk
@laist.com
today about
#couplestherapy
-- give it a listen! (scroll to bottom)
laist.com/shows/airtal...
loading . . .
What’s gonna happen with the Tustin hangar?
Today on AirTalk, LAist reporter Yusra Farzan gives us an update on the Tustin Hangar; how AI influences our social media feeds; the current state of conspiracy theories; Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets g...
https://laist.com/shows/airtalk/whats-gonna-happen-with-the-tustin-hangar#how-to-get-the-most-out-of-couples-therapy
5 months ago
0
0
0
The latest excerpt from How to Win at Couples Therapy
#htwact
is up at
@psychtoday.bsky.social
-- Relationship Ruptures are inevitable; it's how we repair them that counts
#couplestherapy
#MentalHealth
#tacos
Rupture and Repair | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Relationship Rupture and Repair
Fights happen. It's how we learn from them and change our behavior that counts.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202505/rupture-and-repair
5 months ago
0
0
1
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
loading . . .
Talk therapy is up, and use of psych meds without therapy is down, a study finds
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/05/nx-s1-5387204/talk-therapy-psychotherapy-ssri-psychiatric-drugs
5 months ago
0
1
0
Here's another chapter from my new book, How to Win at Couples Therapy, posted to my blog on
@psychologytoday.com
-- give it a read!
#couplestherapy
#relationships
#tacos
5 months ago
0
2
0
Such a thrill to see
#HTWACT
on the shelf at
@skylightbooks.bsky.social
-- the best independent bookstore in LA!
#couplestherapy
#relationships
#tacos
5 months ago
0
2
0
Wonderful article about the growth of a relationship
#HTWACT
www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
loading . . .
I've been married 13 years. Why is vacation sex suddenly so fleeting?
Why vacation can bring high expectations — and big disappointment — when it comes to sex and intimacy
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-15/vacation-sex-fighting-midlife-marriage
6 months ago
0
0
0
Check out this chapter from my new book How to Win at Couples Therapy, up on the wonderful
@psychologytoday.com
website -- and if you like it, check out the whole book on Amazon
#couplestherapy
#mentalhealth
#tacos
Relationship Tennis | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
Relationship Tennis
A tennis match can be a metaphor for how relationships can become competitive, and how to think instead about being more of a teammate and less of an opponent.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202504/relationship-tennis
6 months ago
0
1
1
Are you unhappy with your relationship? Would you like it to be more satisfying, less antagonistic, and just plain happier? If so, I can help! Check out my new book, How to Win at Couples Therapy
#HTWACT
www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3NW8P6...
loading . . .
How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship
How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship [Stark, Phil] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Win at Couples Therapy: Strategies and Challenges to Improve Communication, Manage Conflict, and Strengthen Your Relationship
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3NW8P61/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
6 months ago
0
1
0
Great article on midlife career transitions - an area many people seek out therapy to help process / navigate!
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
via @NYTimes
loading . . .
The Gen X Career Meltdown
Just when they should be at their peak, experienced workers in creative fields find that their skills are all but obsolete.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/28/style/gen-x-creative-work.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
6 months ago
0
0
0
Our latest
@psychologytoday.com
post is up -- it's about Love and Hamsters
#mentalhealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
The Hamster of Love | Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude...
loading . . .
The Hamster of Love
Sometime we protect ourselves from intimacy in relationships in ways we don't always recognize.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dude-wheres-my-car-tharsis/202503/the-hamster-of-love
6 months ago
0
7
3
Happy New Website Friday! Sharing my new website redesign, please browse through it if interested, and know that I pay $1 per typo found!
#MentalHealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
starktalktherapy.com
loading . . .
Stark Talk Therapy | Therapist For Men In Los Angeles
Looking for a therapist for men in Los Angeles? Stark Talk Therapy provides expert support tailored to men's unique mental health needs.
https://starktalktherapy.com
7 months ago
0
1
1
Great advice for dealing with relationship conflict!
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/s...
loading . . .
Navigating Conflict? This Texas Trial Lawyer Has the Right Words. (Gift Article)
Jefferson Fisher has built a reputation on social media for teaching people how to tackle tough conversations with confidence.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/style/jefferson-fisher-argue-tough-conversations.html?unlocked_article_code=1.304.JKV8.F8GC5N6rRxsE&smid=bs-share
7 months ago
0
1
0
4 Mistakes Couples Make When Discussing Money
www.nytimes.com/2024/04/05/w...
loading . . .
4 Mistakes Couples Make When Discussing Money
Therapists share the secrets to a drama-free money chat.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/05/well/family/money-relationships.html?smid=bs-share
7 months ago
0
1
0
Had a great conversation with Paul Gilmartin @mentalpod on the
#MentalIllnessHappyHour
— talk therapy, phases of life, relationship conflict, all the good stuff!
mentalpod.com/archives/7290
loading . . .
Career Transitions, Passive Aggression & Inner Critics - Phil Stark - The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Phil Stark is a former screenwriter (Dude, Where’s My Car) turned marriage and family therapist. He shares why he made this huge career pivot plus he and Paul discuss passive aggression in relationshi...
https://mentalpod.com/archives/7290
8 months ago
0
3
0
Our latest
#AskPhil
column is up now at
@scriptmagazine.bsky.social
— it’s about being an Unconventional Writer
scriptmag.com/screenwritin...
loading . . .
Ask Phil: Am I Too Weird?
This week Ask Phil hears from an Unconventional Writer about their struggle to write in their own unique voice while still creating material that might resonate in the marketplace, as well as the psychological reasons behind their unique voice.
https://scriptmag.com/screenwriting-advice/am-i-too-weird?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0-b3Bi96R2ewb4p9UsGIHlrDMbpc5d18dBzicJTn1HwIWbjTjTCbtpaUo_aem_c8pid4DVxfN4_nAbA9xf2g
8 months ago
1
3
0
Happy Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! We’re releasing a special Cat edition of
#DWMC
for today only - because our Feline Friends deserve mental health too! (you’ll just have to read it to them😜)
8 months ago
0
1
0
Our latest @substackinc post -- all about
#anger
Who Are We Really Angry At?
open.substack.com/pub/dudewher...
loading . . .
Who Are We Really Angry At?
the reasons for rage
https://open.substack.com/pub/dudewheresmycartharsis/p/who-are-we-really-angry-at?r=q8bfy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
9 months ago
0
0
0
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the wildfires here in LA. Here's a list of mental health care providers offering free services to help people during this challenging time. I'm offering 2 weekly time slots for free therapy for up to 4 sessions, virtual only.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
loading . . .
Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uAMVz8TQMzShQeuEA6kmOP0jyRN7qe1Iiqb6JOLTPqg/htmlview?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1GHbB0S6jO8jzDiVCb8NJWKigrLVEhE0hIBm1W4FEd-4Yhr2h-e6UXVIw_aem_li-1Pv_STdOfV2EB2hcUHw
9 months ago
0
6
2
Check out our first @SubstackInc post of 2025 -- Sometimes in relationships we find ourselves on
#autopilot
#MentalHealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
Relationship Autopilot
open.substack.com/pub/dudewher...
loading . . .
Relationship Autopilot
Learning to Take the Wheel
https://open.substack.com/pub/dudewheresmycartharsis/p/relationship-autopilot?r=q8bfy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
9 months ago
0
1
0
A great big thank you to all the wonderful people who made
#DWMC
a part of their 2024 - Wishing you and yours a
#HappyNewYear
-- And keep an eye out for a new book coming out in 2025!
#talktherapy
#MentalHealth
#tacos
9 months ago
0
2
0
Love a good Modern Love, and this is a good one! Running From Shame (for 26.2 Miles)
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/s...
loading . . .
Running From Shame (for 26.2 Miles)
After having an affair with a married man, I ran a marathon to absolve my sins. It didn’t work.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/style/modern-love-adultery-made-me-run-a-marathon.html?smid=bs-share
9 months ago
0
0
0
Maxed Out on L.A., He Chased His Hollywood Dream to Albuquerque
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/a...
loading . . .
Maxed Out on L.A., He Chased His Hollywood Dream to Albuquerque
Would life in the Southwest be easier for someone doing gig work in the television and film industry?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/arts/maxed-out-on-la-he-chased-his-hollywood-dream-to-albuquerque.html?smid=bs-share
9 months ago
0
1
0
Happy Wright Brothers Day! Today we celebrate the first successful flight by a mechanically propelled airplane on this day in 1903. To celebrate, we are giving a free copy of
#DWMC
to everyone taking a flight today. Better than a bag of pretzels!
#MentalHealth
#talktherapy
#tacos
9 months ago
0
1
0
Load more
feeds!
log in
