THERAPIST TRAINING - A CRITICAL-REVIEW OF SKILL TRAINING STUDIES

Ford's review of the therapist training literature revealed that there was little evidence that training interventions improved trainee's skill levels sufficiently to guarantee that they could deliver therapy effectively. In the present article, therapist training studies published subsequent to J.D. Ford's comprehensive review are critically assessed in order to evaluate the current status of the field. The studies reviewed are evaluated with respect to: (a) dependent variable selection, definition, and measurement, (b) internal validity, and (c) generalization and maintenance issues. Therapist training studies involving more traditional process-related skills appear to have progressed little in methodological sophistication or clinical relevance. Several studies addressing complex clinical assessment and behavior therapy skills have been conducted that include a number of conceptual and methodological refinements relative to more traditional investigations. It is concluded that, in general, investigators need to aspire to higher standards of basic research design and measurement strategies if the knowledge base for our training technology is to advance. © 1990.