Who is Dr. Carder Stout? Tell us about Your Work:

I have a private practice in West Los Angeles where I practice depth psychotherapy.

Since leaving Pacifica, I have not stopped writing! I have contributed several articles to Gwyneth Paltrow’s online magazine Goop about dreams, synchronicity, and the archetypal nature of addiction. The articles caught the attention of a book agent in New York who has signed me for a book deal. I have entitled the book Get off the Couch: A Therapist’s guide to Solving Your Own Problems.

In addition, US Weekly featured my interpretation of a dream for the television star Ashley Scott. Recently I have appeared on Larry King Now and a documentary series on addiction for the Reelz network.

I continuously try to bring the concepts off depth psychology into the mainstream.

Here are the links to the Larry King Show:

http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/2015/11/4/sleep-health-in-america-a-larry-king-now-special-0_1hrqfqd02wxb

http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/article/2015/11/4/what-your-sex-dreams-really-mean

How/Why did you get into this line of work?

I always thought I wanted to be a writer when I was younger and majored in creative writing as an undergraduate. I guess I just lost my voice along the way and focused on other things in my life. My time at Pacifica really introduced me to the writer in myself again.

As a therapist I am constantly trying to work with my patients from a depth perspective, and many of them seem interested. If depth psychotherapy seems like a good fit for a particular person, then I proceed, but I never try to force this perspective on anyone.

What is most rewarding about it; what makes it all worthwhile?

I love working with people and helping them navigate the unexplored regions of their lives. Most of the time they come in with a certain issue and leave with a different understanding of what they need to work on. It is the mutual discovery process that really fascinates me. I am always finding something in myself that needs attention from listening to my patients.

What are the most critical problems faced?

I treat many people with addiction issues. Here is the article on addiction that I wrote for Goop: http://goop.com/why-were-all-addicts/

Has there been a defining moment your life that made you decide to take the direction that you did?

Struggling with and overcoming my personal battle with substance abuse and addiction. My mother died of alcoholism 2 weeks after I began the doctoral program at Pacifica. I always attempt to honor her through my actions.

If we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it’s been for you, what would be your “dream” achievement?

To complete my book by the end of next year and have it be a New York Times bestseller.

How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?

I spend all of my free time with my wife Jennie and two-year old daughter Maxine. We live in the Santa Monica mountains, and I take our golden retriever Zoey on a hike every morning. I pray and meditate as well, and this keeps me grounded.

What brought you to Pacifica?

I learned about Pacifica from my teachers at Southwestern College in Santa Fe. I felt as if I needed to learn more after earning my master’s degree. Pacifica was a wonderful fit for me and opened my eyes to a whole new way of understanding psychology.

How has your Pacifica degree served you professionally in your occupation or your vocation?

I use everything I learned at Pacifica on a regular basis in my private practice.

The accomplishment of successfully completing my dissertation is the greatest achievement of my professional life.

How has your degree served you personally?

It has made me a much better therapist.