Love and belonging are some of the fundamental human needs necessary for survival. But as profound as they are, living with others, resonating with them, and “fitting in” is a delicate balancing act. Our sense of identity is deeply influenced by the acceptance, comfort, or rejection we experience from those around us, but certain aspects of ourselves will not align comfortably with others.

As psychoanalysts, we are mindful of acceptance and the foundation it provides clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities. We know that social norms of gender, sexuality, class and race are engrained deeply in our lives, and can keep us from living authentically, causing deep emotional wounds, eroding self-esteem, and hundering personal development. In the field of psychoanalysis, new voices are emerging to broaden the conversation surrounding these issues. Amongst them is Justin Shubert, a clinical psychoanalyst based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

In this episode of The Art of Listening, Justin shares his personal journey as a queer man navigating the field of psychoanalysis – first, as a patient, and then as a clinician. Together, we talk about queer theory, identity and power, and Justin shares his unique perspective on acceptance and belonging in a field that has historically grappled with conflicting opinions around subjects such as sexuality and gender. Justin also reflects on what led him to find a supportive community within the American Psychoanalytic Association's Committee on Gender and Sexuality, and discusses his ongoing efforts to create a space of acceptance, diversity, and inclusivity within his own practice.

Tune into our conversation to discover the power of acceptance and community in embracing differences.

Chapters

1 - Justin’s first contact with psychoanalysis: from experience, to intellect (03:55)
2 - Reflecting on foundational experiences of queerness (7:25)
3 - Understanding queer theory and identity (11:43)
4 - Challenges and “resistance” to queerness, gender and sexuality theory in psychoanalysis (14:05)
5 - Finding and building a queer-conscious community in psychoanalysis (20:06)
6 - Listening with a queer approach: how Justin listens to his patients (23:08)

Links

• Justin Shubert
• Silver Lake Psychotherapy
• American Psychoanlytic Association
• Eileen Dunn
• More from ‘The Art of Listening’