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Pre-Post Differences in Facilitative Interpersonal Skills and Self-Assessment Following Deliberate-Practice Training.
Diogo Catalino1, Daniel Sousa1, João M Santos2
1ISPA - University Institute, Lisbon, Portugal.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Deliberate practice (DP) training significantly improved psychotherapists' facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS). Trainees’ self-assessments reflected their performance changes, indicating increased self-awareness.
Area of Science:
- Psychotherapy Training
- Clinical Psychology
- Professional Development
Background:
- Deliberate practice (DP) is a structured training method with proven benefits in various fields.
- Its efficacy in enhancing psychotherapists' skills remains under-explored.
- Facilitative Interpersonal Skills (FIS) are crucial for effective psychotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of DP training on psychotherapists' FIS.
- To assess the congruence between trainees' self-assessment and their actual performance.
- To determine if DP training enhances FIS in novice psychotherapists.
Main Methods:
- A pre-experimental quantitative study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 23 first-year psychotherapy specialization trainees before and after DP training.
- Facilitative Interpersonal Skills Performance Task and Self-Report instruments were utilized for assessment.
Main Results:
- Observer-rated FIS significantly improved post-DP training.
- Trainees' self-rated FIS consistently exceeded observer ratings.
- Self-ratings demonstrated a parallel increase with observed performance, indicating awareness of skill development.
Conclusions:
- DP training is effective in enhancing psychotherapists' FIS.
- Trainees exhibit awareness of their skill progression following DP training.
- DP training shows promise as a valuable method for psychotherapist development.
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