Deliberate Practice for Therapist Training

Let's talk about deliberate practice and how we can become a better therapist.
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We haven't improved the results we get (in the field of psychotherapy) over the last 50 years. I believe that is because we have poured our research money into trying to improve our therapies (the types of interventions we use), rather than learning how to improve our therapists. In other words, we haven't stopped to wonder how to best train our therapists so that they improve over time (which research shows we therapists currently do not). This has led to some truly wonderful forms of therapy, but a lack of wonderful therapists who are able to fully put them to use.
This is why there has been a push to incorporate deliberate practice into the training of therapists. After all, deliberate practice is the most powerful, best researched path toward mastery when it comes to any domain. Most other fields, from sports to music, incorporate deliberate practice into their training, and many believe it is time for therapists to do so as well. What would this shift look like? It would mean a move away from using lectures, books, and theoretical ideas as the foundation of learning, towards hands-on practice. You might be thinking, 'yes, we do have therapists practice, when they are supervised seeing clients!' But seeing client's isn't practice. It's performance. Practice requires focusing on one skill at a time. Deliberate practice is highly focused, repetitive, aimed at just the right level of skill. If we want to see therapists actually improve, we need to clarify both the interpersonal and intrapersonal (ie self-awareness, etc.) skills they need to develop, and offer them chances to practice, get clear feedback, and monitor their gains over time.
For information about my "Minding the Heart" training groups or to sign up for my video courses and earn mental health education CEUs, check out: toriolds.com
For free deliberate practice training materials, click here: sentio.org/inn...
For access to the deliberate practice course I made, focused on what I believe are core therapist skills, click here: therapywisdom....
The information provided by Dr. Tori Olds is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Tori Olds is a licensed psychologist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

[@elleheaton8989]

This is the most important video regarding therapist training and supervision of therapists that I have seen in the past two decades as a clinical supervisor and program director. If you want to improve the quality of your therapists asap you’ll make her KZbin videos and therapists trainings online a part of your program. I have been doing this for the past year and am excited to see our effectiveness with clients grow. The only other thing I would add that is that nothing helps a therapist grow like doing their own work in therapy. I’ve been an MSW for a long time but my skills grow exponentially as I experience my own therapy. Not just because I’m healing and getting healthier but I’m able to keep up on the theories and practices that weren’t even around when I was in school. I know I sound like a commercial but Tori’s work alone (and her style of presenting the work of others)has given me new hope for the field and the excitement and energy to improve myself and my own organization.

[@DrToriOlds]

Thank you so much for your sweet words! 🌸 I’m truly honored that my work has had such a positive impact on you and your organization. It’s beautiful to hear about your dedication to growth, both personally and professionally. Sending you lots of love and energy as you continue making a difference! ✨

[@jordanbrown3488]

THANK YOU for articulating this. I've long wondered why therapist training programs don't incorporate at least a small part of this approach. Excellent video and channel. I've learned a lot from you.

[@DrToriOlds]

Awe! that means so much to hear. I am really glad you are getting something from the videos 💚

[@alexmagalhaesvaz]

Congrats Tori on this great description of DP!

[@danielrumel7464]

Hey Tori, thank you so much for your work. I am a therapist and spiritual director in Germany and you bring up so mani aspects of my work in such a clear and systematic way that it is hard to appreciate it enough. May your channel grow.

[@DrToriOlds]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It means the world to me to know that my work resonates with you all the way in Germany. grateful that my approach Sending you lots of warmth and appreciation as you continue your amazing work! 🌟

[@gina2641]

I love how you deliver information in your videos, how you communicate is really comforting and soothing in a way!

[@DrToriOlds]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It makes me so happy to hear that you find my videos comforting and soothing. 🧡

[@genevieve1888]

I love this so much. it makes so much sense. my whole body and mind were just sensing a huge "yes" and I loved so much the "principles vs protocol"

[@DiuQuy]

My favorite therapist trainings include demos AND practicing the tools, getting feedback for improvement, and getting to practice again. Trainings with DP is the best! IFS training is great at this.

[@unlocklimitlessyou]

So good as usual! Thanks❤❤❤

[@Atlassian369]

I LOVE THIS ! I’ve been articulating this exact thing to a lot of my fellow colleagues, I’m really glad to hear that there’s a lot of research to back the idea of deliberate practice!! Thank you for sharing (:

[@DrToriOlds]

Really glad you are getting something from the videos! 🌸

[@Shrink007]

The university degree training in the UK involves the practical triads where students practice the counselling skills from the day 1, including recording the triad sessions and analysing oneself in a session

[@marshabenz3985]

Bill Miller did this back in 1982-3 to figure out why motivational interviewing worked. There is a recent book out on deliberate practice in MI by Denise Ernst and others.

[@BaelorLofstad]

Hi there Tori! Firstly I’d like to say thank you for your content, you have broadened my perspective on therapy immensely. For someone who is interested in becoming a therapist do you have any college recommendations? I love the approach to training you talk about here. I am definitely interested in learning this way. But as for the degree before the training program do you have recommendations? It seems like not all training is created equal

[@angiegophoto]

you're amazing

[@DrToriOlds]

Thank you so much! 🌸

[@shannonstone865]

Thank you !!!

[@johnwest]

Great content as always! Question - I’m considering signing up for DP course you’re offering - to confirm, are CEs provided? I’m an LCSW

[@Anythingforfreedom]

Hello Tori, what IFS training level are you?

[@missmeredi]

Thanks so much for shining a light on this movement, Tori. What I love about AEDP supervision is that it incorporates the same principles as AEDP therapy -- including helping the supervisee feel safe to learn and grow. It's also thrilling that there is an AEDP book on deliberate practice coming out this year! I can't wait!

[@TheBostonFern]

I would like it better if the talk can be more brief and to the point. Reduce it to 5 minutes

[@DrToriOlds]

Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I’ll definitely keep your suggestion in mind as I work on future content. 😀

[@jaygaines1233]

This is wonderful! Makes so much sense.

[@felipetolomio]

Yes!!!!

[@themacocko6311]

Where has the good Doctor gone?