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The psychotherapist's own psychotherapy: educating and developing psychologists
1Department of Psychology, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4596, USA. norcross@scranton.edu
The American Psychologist
|December 15, 2005
Summary
Mental health professionals frequently engage in personal therapy, finding it beneficial for personal and professional growth. This research highlights its vital role in shaping effective psychotherapy practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Personal therapy is a common experience for mental health professionals.
- Experienced practitioners utilize personal therapy for various goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize 25 years of research on the personal therapy of mental health professionals.
- To examine therapist selection and treatment dynamics when patients are also psychotherapists.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of 25 years of research.
- Comparative analysis of treatment with psychotherapist patients versus laypersons.
Main Results:
- High prevalence and positive outcomes of personal therapy among professionals.
- Personal therapy is an emotionally vital and professionally formative experience.
- Specific considerations for treating psychotherapist patients.
Conclusions:
- Personal therapy should be central to the training and development of health care psychologists.
- It fosters emotional vitality, interpersonal depth, and professional growth.