| Very few training programs place adequate emphasis on the development of self-awareness within therapists-in-training. One of the key obstacles to increased training in the use of self, or person of the therapist, is the creation of a safe enough environment for therapists-in-training to explore their unique emotional vulnerabilities. Differentiation theory and relational-cultural theory provide an excellent conceptual framework to develop and maintain a training environment characterized by non-judgment, opportunity for integration of personal themes, and containment. Fundamentally, the concepts of mutual empathy, social context, and power dynamics also need to be incorporated into the training environment to a greater degree in order to facilitate growth-fostering interactions in training. Further research is needed into the impact of Person-of-the-Therapist training on therapy outcomes, and what systemic and cultural barriers stand in the way of greater attention being paid to this important facet of therapist development. |
