Myth 1: Therapists improve over time because experience makes the difference.
Research shows that, on average, psychotherapist client outcomes get slightly worse over time because we reinforce bad habits instead of growing and learning new techniques. We go more in-depth into this and other reasons to debunk this myth in the online article resource for therapists.
Myth 2: Finding the best therapy technique or theory, and learning it well, will make you an excellent therapist.
Research says that which theory you choose doesn’t matter in becoming a great therapist and growing a successful clinical psychology practice. In fact, how accurately you use the model you pick does not even seem to make a difference. What’s more important are common factors, factors that are important in treatment and are also common across theoretical orientations. Read more about the findings and what Dr. Tori Olds shares is the greatest contributor to becoming a master therapist in this free therapist resource article.
Myth 3: Theory doesn’t matter at all. The therapeutic alliance is what truly makes a difference.
While the type of therapy you use does not make a difference, research also says that having some theory really does matter. Common factors aren’t enough.
Myth 4: Confidence is really important in being an effective therapist.
Research shows that being an effective therapist comes from a combination of valuing yourself as a person, having humility, and questioning your effectiveness as a therapist.
Myth 5: The therapeutic alliance is all about warmth and empathy.
Warmth is only one part of the therapeutic alliance. Research shows that the three most important elements in the therapeutic alliance are warmth, agreement on the goals of therapy, and agreement on how, as a team, we are going to reach those goals.
Myth 6: You can’t teach someone how to be a great therapist because it is based on innate qualities and strengths.
Therapy is based on micro-skills that can be taught and learned through practice.
Learn more about how Tori Olds, Ph.D. teaches us the micro-skills and deliberate practice techniques we need to master our craft of psychotherapy.
JOIN a FREE Training with Dr. Tori Olds
Introduction to Deliberate Practice in Psychotherapy
In this video series, you will learn:
The essential problem with most other therapy training programs.
Six myths about becoming a more effective therapist.
What Deliberate Practice is and why it is so important
The five steps on the roadmap for clinical excellence
