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Thank you for answering some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

I just wrote a new book - "In the Therapist's Chair."

(Visit Jacqueline's site at drjacquelinegunn.com)

Have you received any awards for your work?

I am Who's Who "Woman of the Year" for 2009-2010

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I do seminars and speaking engagements. My most recent speaking engagement was at The Karen Horney Clinic on June 10, 2010, where I a gave a lecture about my new book.  I have three upcoming speaking engagements about "In the Therapist's Chair." One is at Miami Institute of Psychology in Miami, Florida, another at The North Bergen Public Library in North Bergen, NJ, and the third is at The New York Institute for Psychotherapy Training in Manhattan. 

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I have my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and have worked as a psychotherapist for 15-years. My experiences have afforded me the opportunity to speak candidly, and write a book about my thought processes, emotions and challenges that I experience when working with patients.  "In the Therapist's Chair," gives the reader the unique opportunity to experience and feel what the therapeutic process is like.   

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have published articles on the spiritual experience of exercise, particularly running, for SoBe magazine in Miami.
My dissertation is "Analysis of Shame, Guilt and Empathy in Intimate Relationship Violence."

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

I use "In the Therapist's Chair" to teach and supervise therapists in training. I have also been contacted by some of my readers who wish to see me for therapy.

What will your next project be?

A second book providing more compelling case studies and a behind-the-scenes experience of how the process of therapy works.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

I have been inspired by senior psychologists who encouraged me to write up case studies revealing the way I work clinically, as they find it refreshingly unique. I am also inspired by my patients who bring meaning to my life on a daily basis.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I find long-term psychotherapy to be extremely rewarding as it affords me the opportunity to experience changes in my patients, allowing them to live more rewarding and meaningful lives.  

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

One should always write about something one feels passionate about. If you do this the words will naturally come pouring out of you.
Always use a good publicist, and save some energy after your publication for the marketing of your book, as this is very important and requires persistence and commitment.

How did you get started as a writer?

I have always written, even as a young student. Growing up in a family of artists, writing has always been the way I have expressed my creativity.  

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

My favorite classic piece of classic literature is "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," by Richard Bach. The premise encompasses the existential and human paradox between reaching your potential while accepting your human limitations. This completely speaks to the way I live my life.   More recently "The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini, which really enveloped me by exposing the meaningfulness and yet at times devastation of complex human relationships.  

What does a typical work day look like for you?

After my morning run or swim, I spend the rest of my day seeing  patients, supervising psychology students and teaching. Everyday is a little different and in the field of psychology you never know what may arise on a daily basis.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

Numerous professors throughout graduate school and many supervisors throughout my training pointedly stated that I was very creative and had talent for writing.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Dr. Irvin Yalom, who is well-known existential psychoanalyist and author of numerous books involving both the philosophical underpinnings of existential psychology as well as case studies where he eloquently describes his work with patients using an existential approach.  His writing has inspired me throughout my professional and personal development.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

"Question"- by the Moody Blues

Thank you Jacqueline! We wish you great success with your new book "In the Therapist's Chair!"