Jesse Owen, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver.
He has been an associate editor for Psychotherapy for 10 years, and has also served as an associate editor for the Journal of Counseling Psychology and Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Tell us a bit about your background: What is your area of research? What is your most recent journal-editing experience?
I have over 150 publications, including three books and hundreds of national and international presentations.
I study psychotherapy processes and outcomes, with a focus on therapists’ expertise, therapists’ multicultural orientation, and the intersection of techniques and common factors (e.g., alliance). I also study romantic relationships, with a focus on relational interventions and couple therapy.
I have been an associate editor for Psychotherapy for 10 years, and I have also been an associate editor for the Journal of Counseling Psychology and Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Briefly, what are your main priorities? For example, how will you grow readership, what type of scholarship would you like to see in the journal, and what kind of content are you hoping to attract?
My main priority is to continue the great trajectory of the journal, as well as explore opportunities to expand its reach. I would like to increase international readership and authorship, along with increasing the number of articles that focus on multicultural topics. Lastly, I would like to attract more authors and readers who concentrate on couples, families, and group psychotherapy.
Why is this journal important for the field? What is its relevance to society/public health? What are the hot issues in your area right now?
Psychotherapy is a great bridge between psychotherapists and researchers. The articles are well known to be practical, meaningful, and empirically sound. But psychotherapy is no more effective than it was 50 years ago, and we need more research to examine the areas in which it can advance.
What challenges, if any, lie ahead for the field?
Lack of funding for psychotherapy is a real challenge, as is the need to influence policy makers through psychotherapy research.
Do you have plans for a special issue or changes to the editorial process? Are you making any changes?
I am not planning any changes. The journal is operating very well. I will continue to promote special sections and issues based on the needs of the field.
Editor Spotlight features interviews with the newly-appointed editors of APA Journals.
APA Journals produces an array of scholarly journals that cover the spectrum of modern psychology and feature the latest research in the field.
Psychotherapy, the official publication of APA Division 29 (Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy) publishes a wide variety of articles relevant to the field of psychotherapy. The journal strives to foster interactions among individuals involved with training, practice theory, and research since all areas are essential to psychotherapy.