This podcast interview with Dr Paul J. Leslie discusses the issues contained within his latest book release The Art of Creating a Magical Session. Paul is a licensed psychotherapist and educator, based in South Carolina. In the interview we discuss what might be considered the key elements necessary to bring about transformational therapeutic change in clients. The book will appeal to practitioners who are receptive to different ways of working and who are open to new ideas.
The interview deals with themes such as therapy versus healing and what is effective and transformational (or magical) in terms of outcomes. Of course, every modality and approach claims to be the truth and to be top of the class in the wider field (there are about 500 forms of psychotherapy and presumably that number will continue to grow. Let us never underestimate the narcissistic pursuit of the latest and greatest). We discuss distinctions between short and longer term therapy. Do we ask the client what they want and what transformation means to them? Do we risk using a standardised approach as practitioners (or a preferred way of working) that may potentially seek to fit an inflexible way of working with an individual? Can we be more willing to see the unique needs of the client and be humble to admit we don’t know something? Are tools and techniques and directive therapy as important as relationship building? The nature of collusive relationships amongst trainees particularly in group supervision sessions, where some practitioners might be convinced that they have the cure and the silver bullet in their linear ways of working. Why always go that one route (in terms of theoretical framework or tools used) to bring about therapeutic change? The risks associated with the day to day grind of practicing to the creative process and the need for the therapist to be changing in their own lives too. The importance of co-creating an authentic space that allows clients to inform the internal personal growth issues in the therapist. Creating a niche in therapy as a practitioner and acknowledging the aspects of personal growth needed. The dangers and risks of having to be a kind of exorcist in seeking to kill off parts of the psyche (and pathologising parts) rather than seeking to integrate parts and aiming for co-existence with troubling parts.
You can listen and watch the interview by clicking on the link below:
Noel Bell is a UKCP accredited psychotherapist in London and can be contacted on noel@noelbell.net and 07852407140