Ryan Howes, Ph.D.

The Seven Questions Project

Influential therapists discuss psychotherapy

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From November 2008 to March 2009 I conducted email, phone and face-to-face interviews with prominent figures in psychotherapy. Influential authors, theorists and policymakers donated their time and wisdom to help illustrate the diverse personal and professional approaches within the field.

I conducted the project to help potential clients distinguish between psychological theories. I soon found that psychology students and practicing therapists were interested in hearing what their favorite author or professional association president had to say. It occured to me that this is the kind of learning tool I would have appreciated in graduate school.

The Seven Questions Project is part of my In Therapy blog at Psychology Today. Since that blog includes many other entries, I wanted to have this one page dedicated to the project.


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The Questions: 


I emailed 35 clinicians and asked them to respond to the questions below. Some sent back email, others asked for a telephone interview and one allowed a face-to-face interview. I had 14 invited responses and added my own.


 

  1. How would you respond to a new client who asks: “What should I talk about?”
  2. What do clients find most difficult about the therapeutic process?
  3. What mistakes do therapists make that hinder the therapeutic process?
  4. In your opinion, what is the ultimate goal of therapy?
  5. What is the toughest part of being a therapist?
  6. What is the most enjoyable or rewarding part of being a therapist?
  7. What is one pearl of wisdom you would offer clients about therapy?
The Answers:

Introduction: The Seven Questions Project

Donald Meichenbaum: Founder, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Nada Stotland: President, American Psychiatric Association
John Gray: Bestselling relationship author
Glen Gabbard: Contemporary psychoanalyst and author
Jeffrey Barnett: President, APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy)
David Burns: Author of the "Most Prescribed Self Help Book"
Harriet Lerner: Bestselling author and relationship expert
James Bray: President, American Psychological Association
Thomas Szasz: Outspoken author of "The Myth of Mental Illness"
Daniel Amen: World renowned brain expert
Harville Hendrix: Founder, Imago Relationship Therapy
Judith Beck: Prominent Cognitive Behavior Therapy author
Warren Procci: President, American Psychoanalytic Association
Irvin Yalom: Popular author and speaker
My responses to the Seven Questions
Summary: The Seven Questions Project
Conclusion: The Seven Questions Project
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© 2009, Ryan A. Howes, Ph.D.

Ryan Howes, Ph.D. * 595 E. Colorado Blvd. #424 * Pasadena, CA * 91101 * 626.449.1434

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