Question

Some early proponents of training and credentialing requirements for psychologists wanted to require that psychologists be analyzed or be in therapy as part of the training. Where did this idea originate? What was its purpose? Why was it opposed and dismissed?

Answer 1

The requirement for psychotherapy for psychologists is mandatory in most European countries. In these countries, psychologists require a stipulated number of hours in therapy in as a part of their training and to licensing. In the U.S. however, it is not mandatory.

A survey in 1994 by Kenneth Pope and Barbara Tabachnick found that 84 percent of therapists undergoing psychotherapy themselves. However in some cases, the psychotherapy was mandated during their graduate program. The requirement for therapy for psychologists originated from the idea that swapping sides with their clients would increase the level of empathy toward their client. In addition, therapist would be able to anticipate the client’s willingness to share their feelings and issues that are unstated during the session.

For therapists that practice psychodynamic therapy, personal therapy seemed to be more beneficial, since transference and countertransference are therapeutic tools used in a therapy session. Additionally, the stigma attached with psychotherapy.

The requirement was opposed and dismissed because personal therapy did not guarantee that a therapist would be more empathetic, ethical and technically adept while treating clients.