The training and supervision of individual therapists

Abstract

It is impossible to do justice in this chapter to the fine detail of training in each of the many forms of individual therapy. Instead, attention is drawn to important issues in each area of training. After the introduction, I present a checklist of training objectives, then explore motivating factors in therapists and selection for training before considering the universally important dimensions of countertransference and the abuse of power. Discussion of the three cardinal elements of theoretical learning, supervised clinical work, and personal therapy follows. The move towards statutory registration of psychotherapists and counsellors, and the need for continued education is then considered. A section on supportive therapy concludes the review. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)