The Importance of Training, Supervision, and Deliberate Practice for Therapists

Therapists often face challenges in learning how to effectively help people. Simply attending workshops is not enough to improve skills; deliberate practice outside of client sessions is crucial. Many therapists undervalue the importance of ongoing supervision and coaching in their practice. A noteworthy fact from psychotherapy research is that therapists do not automatically improve with experience, unlike surgeons. The key to improvement lies in deliberate practice, where therapists intentionally work on strengthening their skills outside of client sessions. Therapists who invest time in deliberate practice consistently show improved outcomes over time.