Self-criticism in therapist training: A grounded theory analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Training
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Self-criticism is a common challenge for therapists-in-training.
• Understanding the nuances of self-criticism is crucial for effective clinical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how therapists-in-training experience and cope with self-criticism.
• To identify the core process underlying self-criticism in psychotherapy practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with therapists-in-training.
• Grounded theory analysis of interview data to identify a core self-critical process.

Main Results:

• Self-criticism in training is heightened when balancing the 'expert' role with authentic client interactions.
• Interpersonal safety, clinical freedom, and flexibility mitigate self-criticism in trainees.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer insights into the subjective experience of self-criticism for therapists-in-training.
• Implications for enhancing clinical training environments and future psychotherapy research.