Paths by which the Behavioral Therapist Learns from his or her Clients

Abstract

The professional literature admits that therapists acquire essential clinical competencies while performing their work. However, the ways in which this learning takes place have been little explored. This is the purpose of this study. We interviewed 14 behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapists about their learning experiences with their clients. Data were analysed following the tenets of Grounded Theory Analysis. The results suggest that therapists consider their work as an opportunity to learn and that clients guide their professional development. Learning with clients happens in bilateral, gradual and cumulative ways. It involves interactions with the theoretical model, with the challenges the case poses, the parallels with the therapist’s life, his or her continuous studies and what happens in supervision. We conclude that learning from the client is no passive assimilation of knowledge. Therapist features, such as theoretical adherence, difficulties with the treatment and the perceived similarity between therapist and client influence learning. Involvement in study and supervision influence how the therapist processes what he or she learns from the client. All of this shows that the therapist is an active participant who brings personal characteristics and efforts to the learning process.