Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Persons is a distinguished clinician, researcher, and Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. She served as president of the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT) in 1999 and currently works in private practice at the Oakland Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Persons is recognized globally for her pioneering work in integrating research into private practice, particularly in the areas of case formulation and measurement-based care. In this insightful conversation, we dive into Dr. Persons’ unique journey, exploring how she built a thriving private practice while contributing significantly to scientific research.
She shares practical strategies for clinicians interested in research, the importance of data collection in therapy, and how she navigates collaboration with graduate students and academic institutions. Dr. Persons also talks about balancing her clinical and research roles and why she continues to find research personally rewarding.
In this insightful conversation, we dive into Dr. Persons’ unique journey, exploring how she built a thriving private practice while contributing significantly to scientific research. She shares practical strategies for clinicians interested in research, the importance of data collection in therapy, and how she navigates collaboration with graduate students and academic institutions. Dr. Persons also talks about balancing her clinical and research roles and why she continues to find research personally rewarding.
In this episode, you’ll learn…
- How Dr. Persons integrates cutting-edge research into her private practice
- The benefits of measurement-based care and data-driven therapy in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Practical steps for clinicians who want to combine private practice with research
- How to collaborate with academic institutions and bring research skills into a clinical setting
Tips from the episode:
On integrating research and practice:
- Set up systems that allow seamless data collection during therapy sessions to improve clinical outcomes and generate research data.
- Use measurement-based care not only to inform treatment but also to guide research questions.
On balancing multiple roles:
- Collaborating with students and academic institutions can expand your research capabilities without overwhelming your practice.
- Creating structured time set aside for research—such as a dedicated day per week—can help maintain a balance between clinical and research work.
On clinical and research success:
- Stay involved in professional organizations like the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies to maintain your network and stay updated on new developments.
- Regularly attend and present at conferences to contribute to and learn from the wider scientific community.
Links from this episode:
Research Matters Podcast is hosted by Jason Luoma, who can be found on Twitter @jasonluoma or Facebook at facebook.com/jasonluomaphd. You can download the podcast through iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify. Reach out with suggestions, questions, or comments to researchmatterspod@gmail.com.
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