Illuminating the person of the therapist

: The role of therapist schemas in cognitive behavioural therapy training and practice

Abstract

Authors have developed a number of theoretical models that emphasise the importance of the ‘person of the therapist’ in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training and practice. These models argue that awareness and management of one’s own schemas in the therapeutic process is pertinent to facilitating efficacious psychological treatment. Whilst there has been some emerging empirical evidence to support these assertions, research to date has largely been limited in scope, and unmatched to the theoretical positioning. As such, this portfolio of research outputs set out to illuminate the person of the therapist, furthering our understanding of the role of therapist schemas in the training and practice of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy. This has been achieved by:
1. Establishing an association between dimensions of therapist perfectionism and their clients’ treatment outcomes in cognitive behavioural therapy, utilising multiple regression analysis as part of a cross-sectional research design
2. Establishing an association between dimensions of therapist experiential avoidance and their observed CBT competency during training, employing multiple regression analysis as part of a cross-sectional research design
3. Conducting survey research and using mixed methods analyses to highlight the importance of paying attention to the therapist’s personal-self as part of meaningfully integrating inclusive working practices in CBT training
4. Using thematic analysis to examine therapists’ written accounts of their experiences of self-practice/self-reflection during training, elucidating the benefit of therapists understanding the developmental interplay of their personal and professional selves
A conceptual framework which integrates the findings and illustrates a process of personal–professional development is offered, along with other applied research outputs which augment the main study conclusions. Implications which emphasise the role of therapist self-reflection and experiential change methods in CBT training and practice are considered. The limitations of the portfolio have been acknowledged, and suggestions made for future research in this area.

Date of Award	Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Rosie Kneafsey (Supervisor), Magda Marczak (Supervisor) & Christine Grant (Supervisor)