The Weekend University

Why Psychotherapy Works - Dr. Louis Cozolino, PhD

14 snips
Jan 1, 2026
Dr. Louis Cozolino, a distinguished clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the essence of psychotherapy. He reflects on his transformative training under Carl Rogers and highlights key factors common to all effective therapies. Cozolino introduces the concept of the 'vital half second,' explaining its role in shaping our experiences. He discusses how early attachment influences adult relationships and the nuances of core shame. Throughout, he advocates for therapists as applied neuroscientists, emphasizing the need for foundational knowledge over mere techniques.
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INSIGHT

Principles Over Therapeutic Tribes

  • Effective therapies share core elements beyond techniques like neuroplasticity and relationship building.
  • Lou Cozolino argues focusing on principles beats joining therapeutic 'tribes' or techniques.
ADVICE

Make The Relationship Primary

  • Prioritise the therapeutic relationship as the central vehicle for change in therapy and parenting.
  • Learn and internalize Carl Rogers' principles to create the safe context that activates neural plasticity.
INSIGHT

The Vital Half Second

  • Conscious experience is constructed about a half second after events, using past information to predict the present.
  • This 'vital half second' shapes perception and drives biased, preloaded responses to current situations.
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