Making Therapy Better "Better Therapist Training & Supervision" with Louis Castonguay, Ph.D. - s3, e3
Jun 12, 2025
In a dynamic conversation, Dr. Louis Castonguay, a renowned psychology professor, discusses the evolution of therapist training, advocating for an integrated approach over rigid CBT dominance. He highlights the importance of intellectual humility and interpersonal skills in training, stressing that diverse therapeutic methods can better address clients' needs. The dialogue also touches on the relevance of psychotherapy in today's society, arguing for a more holistic view that considers existential factors and fosters effective client engagement.
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CBT Dominance in Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) dominates psychotherapy training in U.S. graduate programs due to funding and research prevalence.
- This dominance may limit exposure to other valuable therapeutic approaches like psychodynamic or humanistic therapies.
Limits of CBT Research Funding
- Over-reliance on randomized controlled trials restricts funding and research on non-CBT therapies.
- This limits evidence for alternative approaches and creates a cyclical dominance of CBT in research and training.
Psychotherapy's Existential Gap
- Current mental health approaches focus heavily on CBT and biological models, overlooking existential and social dimensions.
- Psychotherapy should address broader human struggles beyond cognitive or brain-based issues.
