The study of supershrinks: development and deliberate practices of highly effective psychotherapists

Abstract

This study explored how highly effective psychotherapists develop their therapeutic skills, and more specifically, to what extent the engagement of domain specific deliberate practice predicts client outcomes. Primarily, it was found that not only did therapist effectiveness vary significantly, but that the amount of time therapists spent in solitary practice was a significant predictor of their effectiveness. Specific implications for clinical training and practice are discussed.