Processes of theoretical orientation development in CBT trainees: What internal processes do psychotherapists in training undergo as they “integrate”?

Abstract

The present study investigated the psychological mechanisms and processes of theoretical orientation development in psychotherapists during their training. Problemcentered interviews were conducted with 20 German psychotherapists in the last phase of their professional cognitive– behavioral therapy (CBT) training, and the data was analyzed using grounded theory. Results indicated that trainees could best be characterized by the core category “constructing jugglers”: To develop a coherent theoretical orientation, psychotherapists in training constantly defined and redefined CBT and other approaches. They alternated between assimilation (adapting new experiences to existing definitions of CBT and other approaches) and accommodation (reorganization of existing definitions). Their theoretical orientation development was influenced not only by therapeutic and scientific aspects, but also by strategic choices and territorial claims.