Dr Lou Cozolino - a clinical psychologist, author, and professor based in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a Professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. The work that I do for The Weekend University means I get to explore a wide range of topics, teachers, and practitioners who are at the forefront of the field of psychology. Every so often, I feel like I’ve “struck gold” after discovering someone and I would certainly put Dr Cozolino’s work into this category.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
- Dr Cozolino’s experience of being taught by Carl Rogers and what he learned from him
- The 4 common factors that underlie all effective forms of psychotherapy
- The importance of focusing on principles rather than techniques when educating yourself as a therapist
- Why human beings need psychotherapy
- The vital ‘half second’ and how this impacts every aspect of our experience
- The impact of early experiences on our development
- Core shame and why we experience it
- Neuroplasticity and why therapists should think of themselves as applied neuroscientists
- 3 books that Lou recommends every therapist should read
And more.
You can learn more about Dr Cozolino’s work at www.drloucozolino.com
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Dr. Lou Cozolino practices psychotherapy and consulting psychology in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment.
With more than 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and coach, Lou works with adults, adolescents, and families as they face a wide variety of life’s challenges. Lou’s primary method as a therapist is one of connection, attunement, and interaction. Working primarily from a psychodynamic model of treatment, he also employs strategies and techniques from the other forms of therapy he has studied including CBT, family systems, and humanistic/existential.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
05:38 - Training Approaches
09:45 - Integrating Thinking and Emotions
12:30 - Core Therapy Principles
20:54 - The Vital Half-Second in Brain Function
24:16 - Impact of Early Experiences
30:58 - Early Experiences and Attachment
37:25 - Core Shame vs. Appropriate Shame
44:54 - Therapists as Neuroscientists
51:39 - Understanding Therapy's Origins
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Interview Links:
- Why Therapy Works: amzn.to/3wt90El
- The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: amzn.to/3MBxcKw
- The Making of a Therapist: amzn.to/3lnbuha
- The Development of a Therapist: amzn.to/3wtNOhF
- Dr Cozolino’s website: www.drloucozolino.com
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3 Books Lou Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
- Character Analysis - Wilhelm Reich (1st 120 pages): amzn.to/3wDWjoV
- On Becoming a Person - Carl Rogers: amzn.to/3wzrxOg
- Thou Shalt Not Be Aware - Alice Miller: amzn.to/3sJVUQC
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