The Therapist

Content Warning: This section includes violence, murder, suicide, and likely instances of abuse.

Trust and betrayal are central themes of the novel, creating much of the narrative’s tension and atmosphere of unease. Underlining how meaningful human connections are rooted in trust, Paris examines the emotional impact of betrayal. Depicting deceit in its many forms, the author questions whether complete trust between individuals is possible.

The Therapist presents a variety of relationships undermined by a lack of trust, from romantic partnerships to friendships and professional interactions. Alice and Leo’s relationship is damaged by Leo’s lies and omissions. Meanwhile, Nina Maxwell’s murder causes residents of the Circle to mistrust their friends and spouses. Neighbors suspect one another of involvement in the death, wives speculate on their husbands’ fidelity, and Alice suspects them all of a conspiracy. The therapist at the heart of the narrative also explores the nature of professional trust. The antagonist’s victimization of women who seek his expertise highlights the absolute trust upon which the therapist/client relationship is based.

At the beginning of the novel, Alice views trust as a crucial ingredient in her relationship with Leo, stating, “I love that I have him to share things with, that I no longer have to face everything alone” (22).