Research has shown that over 75% of therapists surveyed lacked confidence in their technique. The DEFT Institute aims to reduce those numbers by:

Offering a pathway towards depth emotion processing and integration in the working through of trauma and the creation of quality relationships.

Integrating sound theoretical principles from evidence-based and neuro-scientifically supported psychotherapeutic approaches.

Training in specific elements of shame-sensitive interventions and interpersonal responses.

Advancing the concept, “Therapeutic transfer of compassion for self.”

Counteracting the shame of “not knowing” and feelings of anxiety that are universally activated in both psychotherapy and during the training process.

Encouraging compassionate self-reflectiion and emotional connection to fellow trainees and teachers to more successfully integrate powerful new skills.

Incorporating methods as described in Deliberate Practice for Psychotherapists (Rousmaniere). Trainees are advised to engage in a personalized, routine practice that focuses on one's own individual learning edge and mobilization points. This is accomplishes alternately alone and with a coach and is known to accelerate learning.

Utilizing video study, interactive lectures, experiential role-plays to impart discrete skills and develop therapeutic presence.

Identifying specific factors in psychotherapy that reinforce respect, equality, and promote collaboration with our clients.

Inviting shame-free humility, mutual vulnerability, self-reflection and authenticity between therapist and client.

Developing capacity for empathic attunement through verbal and non-verbal body language, which does not always come “naturally” and can be developed.

Encouraging appropriate playfulness and humor that help reduce shame and anxiety.

Emphasizing the importance of phraseology, prosody and use of vivid metaphor in psychotherapy. All contribute to shame-sensitive practice.

Teaching in a manner that is clear, applicable and user-friendly during training.

Valuing the wisdom, knowledge and prior training of our therapists and encouraging integration of the best tools they possess.

Recognizing that expertise is not always, “out there” and nurturing the creative, observing, and intuitive capacity of the therapist so that the new may emerge.

Growing a vibrant professional community.

Sitting on Therapeutic Gold

A personal statement by Susan Warren Warshow

The DEFT Institute is a dream I didn't know I had until it manifested itself as a result of a serendipitous series of events. Post-grad training, various forms of study and years of intent observation of therapeutic exchanges began manifesting an ability to take people to places within themselves and in their relationships that were profoundly liberating for them. This began occurring with greater consistency and acceleration. I begin to think, “You're sitting on therapeutic gold.”

Somewhere deep inside there was the voice, "“Susan, don't you want to share what's been given to you with others?”  But I liked the safety of my private practice tucked away in my Woodland Hills office. I loved relaxing with my husband and friends and my passions are travel, photography and writing. I hated public exposure, maybe from the ridicule from peers about being awkwardly tall as an adolescent. But, as Mom would say, “Stand up straight and face your fears.” And as my Dad would say, “You can do whatever you set your mind to.” So, I head off to Toastmasters to grapple with a terror of public speaking.

The DEFT dream and mission emerge. People came to me and made things happen that helped DEFT to grow. Bridget Quebodeaux, LMFT, has been indispensable to the development of DEFT. Her sheer devotion and passion to our training institute has been nothing short of a miracle and DEFT could not have grown as it has without her. The same can be said of my husband, Dr. Donn Warshow, who has been by my side and guiding me every step of the way. My extraordinary friends and colleagues, Diana Shulman, Jon Frederickson, and Dr. Fallynn Cox, have also been pivotal influences and inspirations. Each of them has been a steadfast source of encouragement, uncannily showing up at just the right times to foil any of my impulses to quit. They have made possible this thrilling and compelling venture, the most gratifying endeavor I've ever attempted.  

I feel eternal gratitude to Mom and Dad for their deep values, courage and love. They would undoubtedly have told me, “This is the right thing to do.”

"Although it is certain that a person's life does not explain his work, it is equally certain that the two

are connected. The truth is this work to be done called for this life."    

--Maurice Merleau-Ponty