We resume the quest for psychotherapeutic truth with Dr. Jeffrey Barnett, 2008 President of the American Psychological Association's Division of
Psychotherapy (Div. 29).
The Seven Questions project asks influential authors, theorists and administrators their thoughts on psychotherapy in order to illuminate diversity among clinicians. My goal is to help potential clients recognize similarities and differences between therapists based on their theory, experience and personality. These seven simple questions do a fair job of distinguishing each of the authors. Read through a few, you'll get a sense of how experience and personality inform their answers.
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP is a board certified, licensed psychologist in Maryland with a quarter-century of experience. He is a journeyman in APA administrative circles, having participated in leadership roles in numerous committees and divisions. He is a Distinguished Practitioner in Psychology 
of the National Academies of Practice. His practice specializes in assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with a focus on ADHD, executive function, learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties. His recent publications focus on professional practice and ethics. Additionally, he holds a part-time faculty appointment at Loyola College in Maryland where he trains Masters and Doctoral students in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.
When I sent out my requests for responses several weeks ago, Dr. Barnett was the first to reply. We shared some fun email banter and he sent along this interesting response. I was pleased to find my own views resonate with his regarding advice (Q3), therapist self-care (Q5) and having a good ending (Q6). I also appreciate his views on trust in Question 2. Enjoy these responses from Dr. Barnett, a significant voice in contemporary psychotherapy policy and practice.
Seven Questions for Jeffrey Barnett:
1. How would you respond to a new client who asks: "What should I talk about?"
While it may be tough at times to know just what to speak about in a particular psychotherapy session I believe this is part of a larger issue, the agreed upon goals of psychotherapy. I view this as a collaborative process in which the client and psychotherapist together set the goals for the psychotherapy process. This sets the tone for a collaborative working relationship that should continue throughout the course of psychotherapy.
2. What do clients find most difficult about the therapeutic process?
The process of psychotherapy can be challenging at times and is often filled with hard work. Clients may be working on significant personal issues and life challenges. Confronting areas of weakness and difficulty is never pleasant. Doing so alone is even tougher. Clients need to trust their psychotherapist and rely on him or her to assist in this process. Even with the support and assistance of a skilled clinician this can still be a significant challenge. Coming to terms with and accepting ourselves as we are, being honest with ourselves about our role in ongoing difficulties, facing our fears, and being willing to try new things and to change, are all significant challenges.
3. What mistakes do therapists make that hinder the therapeutic process?
At times psychotherapists do too much telling and not enough asking. Giving advice has its place, but this is not a major part of the process of effective psychotherapy. Asking good questions, helping clients in their self-exploration, and assisting clients to work through issues as they grapple with them is more helpful and effective for change in the long run.
4. In your opinion, what is the ultimate goal of therapy?
The ultimate goal of psychotherapy is to assist the client to function successfully on his or her own without the need for ongoing psychotherapy. Promoting each client's autonomy and independence is always a goal. Treatment should also focus on achieving the client's happiness and success, in multiple aspects of her or his life (as she or he defines them).
5. What is the toughest part of being a therapist?
One major challenge of being a psychotherapist is to pay attention to our own functioning, monitor our effectiveness, and to practice ongoing self-care. By doing so we are able to function at a high level and provide our clients with the best possible care. Just like our clients we must deal with life's challenges and stresses. Because our emotional and physical functioning can impact our ability to help others we must monitor them and engage in practices that promote our well functioning.
6. What is the most enjoyable or rewarding part of being a therapist?
The greatest joy of being a psychotherapist for me is when a client has overcome great challenges, achieves things she or he never thought possible, and is now ready to end the psychotherapy relationship and move forward with their life. Successful endings are always a great joy for me. They are every psychotherapist's goal.
7. What is one pearl of wisdom you would offer clients about therapy?
Just one? That's really tough. Here are a few: I know that anyone who comes to psychotherapy has already tried everything they can think of on their own and they are still experiencing distress and difficulties. If they could overcome all this on their own they already would have. I know that's a very frustrating situation. But, I also know that developing a new perspective, seeing things differently, learning new skills and strategies, and responding to life's challenges in new ways can yield new results. I also know that it is usually fear that is holding us back and preventing us from enjoying all life has to offer. When we learn to face our fears and attack them in new and more adaptive ways, anything is possible. The possibilities are limitless.
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As stated previously, other bloggers are taking a crack at the Seven Questions. One of my favorite responses comes from Roia, a music therapist who works with autistic patients in an inpatient facility. I suggest you take a look; her responses are warm, compassionate and unique to her population. It's a pleasure to count her among the contributors.
Are you a therapist with a unique take on one or all of the Seven Questions? Feel free to add them to the comments section below, email them to me or post them on your own blog. If you alert me, I may link to your site in a future blog.
