Therapeutic Practice: Qualities of Effective Therapists and Training Implications

In this course, Prof. Robert Schweitzer, Queensland University of Technology, poses the question of whether all therapists are equally effective, and brings to bear numerous studies to say that they are not. Rather, he outlines research results which suggest that primary variables include the person of the therapist, therapist capacity to build and maintain therapeutic relationship, and certain characteristics in the client. Key among the variables is the therapist’s capacity to elicit reflective functioning in the client. Schweitzer outlines the therapist traits considered to be damaging to therapy, giving examples of potential harm, and he also discusses how to enhance clinical practice, noting implications for increasing therapeutic effectiveness. Finally, Schweitzer cites Norcross’ practice recommendations, with implications for counselling training.