36. The Inner Workings of Therapy with Jack Heinemann, LCSW-R

I don’t know about you, but very often I seem to understand something so well in my brain except when I start to explain it in words, all that gets jumbled into a mess. Jack has this knack of taking complex concepts putting into really organized terms in a way that makes you go, “duh!” In today’s episode, husband and wife (yours truly) talk about the true purpose of therapy and the power that holds. Jack shows us how when we approach our therapy experience as more than a means to an end, an entire world of opportunity is opened up to us. He outlines exactly how this works and how you can use these ideas to further your own self development. Friendly banter is for your extra entertainment 😉. Jack Heinemann, LCSW-R is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in private practice and holds a staff position as a clinical social worker at NYU’s community mental health clinic in Brooklyn, NY. He is a graduate of the Training Institute of Mental Health and provides group supervision at the Training Institute’s psychoanalytic training program.    [0:01-05:15] Introductions Introducing our guest speaker    [05:15 – 12:52] What is Process? Jack defines the vague concept of “process.” Elaboration on why therapy is a journey in itself and not a means to an end.  Breaking down the surface level of emotions or responses How past experiences in life become the foundation of your interactions with the world. What’s the question behind the question?   [12:53 – 21:18] Gaining Control by Unravelling the Narrative How childhood experiences may cause you to behave, react or act a certain way. The broader context of age, responsibilities and inconsistencies.  The impact of trauma and how the process of therapy can alleviate its effects.    [21:19 – 34:29] Things You Need to Consider Before Starting Therapy What is free association? Therapy red flags that you should be aware of.  The ultimate barrier between one’s openness in accepting vulnerability. What are the goals of therapy?    [34:30 – 35:00] Outro Where to find Jack?   Resources Mentioned: Jack’s Website Tweetable Quotes “We have things going on in our lives that cause us to be upset and unhappy and we assume that there’s something wrong with the way we’re reacting because we’re supposed to be always kind of balanced and calm, and sort of happy. And that may not be realistic.” – Jack Heinemann    “Therapy in and of itself is not a means to an end. It’s the process itself that holds meaning beyond some tangible goal.” –Jack Heinemann   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode.   Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here!    You can connect with me, Rachelle Heinemann on Instagram, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]