How do you learn to do psychotherapy? An exploration with Dr. Erin Jacklin
Sep 27, 2024
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Dr. Erin Jacklin, an expert in psychotherapy at the Catalyst Center in Denver, shares her insights on the art of therapeutic practice. She explores how therapists evolve from technical skills to authentic personal expression. The conversation dives into emotional engagement between therapist and client, emphasizing compassion and self-awareness. They tackle the challenging dynamics of negative transference and the importance of maintaining composure. Lastly, they discuss the emotional complexity of ending therapy and the growth that accompanies the journey.
The experiential nature of psychotherapy training emphasizes hands-on client work alongside academic learning for developing effective therapists.
Balancing empathy and authority in therapist-client relationships is crucial, requiring self-awareness and adaptability from therapists to foster genuine connections.
Ongoing professional development and supervision are vital for therapists, as consultation groups provide essential accountability and reflection on clinical experiences.
Deep dives
Personal Journey and Recovery
The host shares his personal experience of dealing with incapacitating back pain that delayed the start of the new season. After undergoing successful back surgery, he expresses gratitude to his doctor and reflects on returning to his regular activities, including trail running and podcasting. This experience emphasizes the themes of hope and healing that underscore the podcast's mission. The host’s journey of recovery serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of seeking help when experiencing physical health challenges.
MDMA and FDA Disappointment
The recent FDA decision to not approve MDMA for medical use is addressed, leading to disappointment but a sense of optimism regarding its eventual acceptance. The host discusses concerns raised by the FDA regarding the lack of a proper double-blind study in MDMA research and suggests considering an active placebo to improve the study's credibility. He draws parallels with the approval processes of other substances, notably ketamine, highlighting the potential for innovative treatments to initially face resistance. The conversation underlines the complexity of drug approval and the hope that scientific momentum will lead to future acceptance of MDMA in clinical settings.
Exploring Psychotherapy Education
The podcast delves into the education and training required to become an effective psychotherapist, featuring a discussion with Dr. Erin Jacqueline, a psychologist with a PsyD. They explore the experiential nature of learning therapy, where students start working with clients early in their training, emphasizing that direct experience complements academic learning. The dialogue covers various therapeutic models, particularly psychodynamic approaches, and how understanding the unconscious dynamics influences practice. This exploration highlights the transformative journey of therapists as they develop their unique voice and style in the therapeutic process.
The Challenges of Therapeutic Engagement
The complexities of navigating therapy sessions are discussed, particularly the balancing act between empathy and authority in therapist-client relationships. Early career therapists are encouraged to integrate their personality while holding the professional boundaries necessary for effective therapy. The hosts share their struggles with maintaining a genuine connection while also embodying the role of a therapist, illustrating the delicate dynamics of interaction in the therapeutic space. This examination highlights the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in fostering productive therapeutic relationships.
The Role of Supervision and Continued Growth
The conversation wraps up by emphasizing the importance of supervision and ongoing professional development for therapists to enhance their skills. Experienced therapists encourage the practice of engaging in consultation groups, which help maintain accountability and provide opportunities for reflection on difficult cases. The hosts share how their supervision experiences contributed to their understanding of clinical work and personal growth. This highlights a foundational belief in the necessity of continual learning and the value of community in the field of psychotherapy.
In this season 6 opener Dr. H sits down with Dr. Erin Jacklin of the Catalyst Center in Denver to explore how we learn to the deeply complex and consistently challenging work of doing good therapy.