The professionalization and training of psychologists: The place of clinical wisdom

The current study examines how clinical wisdom develops and how it both is and can be influenced by professional training processes. In this way, the project is studying the intersection of developmental and systemic processes related to clinical wisdom.

Researchers analyzed the interviews of psychologists practicing in the USA and Canada who were nominated for their clinical wisdom by their peers. These interviews explored how graduate training and professionalization were thought to influence the development of clinical wisdom and were subjected to an adapted grounded theory analysis.

The findings described both professional and personal disincentives toward developing wisdom, including the dangers of isolation. Therapists reported concerns about educational systems that rewarded quick answers instead of thoughtful questioning in processes of admittance, training, and accreditation. Findings emphasized the importance of teaching multiple psychotherapy orientations, critical self- and professional-reflection skills, and openly supporting graduate students' curiosities and continued professional engagement.

Recommended principles for training are put forward for the development and evaluation of psychotherapy training programs that aim to foster clinical wisdom. These principles complement training models focused upon clinical competence by helping trainees to develop a foundation for clinical wisdom.