A national study of the psychological theories and therapies covered within clinical psychology training programs in Australia

ABSTRACT

Objective

Recent advancements in the field of psychotherapy have included a diversification in Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBTs), often referred to as the “third wave”, yet relatively little is known about their coverage in Australian postgraduate clinical psychology training. Data were gathered to study the relationships between training program theoretical orientation, therapies covered, and factors determining the coverage of therapies.

Method

Responses to a semi-structured interview of 28 Directors of Clinical Training (DCT) or equivalent of Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved clinical psychology training programs (representing 72% of all accredited programs) were examined.

Results

Behaviour and cognitive theories were identified as dominant in programs. Coverage of Beck’s CBT was not correlated with other CBTs, and the number of therapies covered did not distinguish integrative (64.3%) from non-integrative programs. In an examination of the factors guiding the adoption of insight orientated therapies (i.e., Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Humanistic Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Process Experiential/Emotion-Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Existential Therapy), the focus of clinical research, and student interest emerged as significant predictors (β = −.16, SE =.06, p < .05, 95% Boot CI [−.27, −.03]).

Conclusions

Beck’s CBT, and its undergirding theories emerged as dominant and was not associated with coverage of more recent CBTs, suggesting that there is opportunity to diversify therapies covered considering their evidence base.

KEY POINTS

What is already known about this topic:

1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has evolved and now includes therapies focused on acceptance, dialectical thinking, and mindfulness.

2. Australian clinical psychologists predominantly self-identify a CBT theoretical orientation.

3. Previous surveys of clinical training programs indicate a primary focus on traditional CBT.

What this topic adds:

1. Data on the extent to which diverse theories are included in Australian clinical psychology programs.

2. Data on the extent to which various therapies, including third wave CBTs are included in Australian clinical psychology programs.

3. Data on the factors guiding the adoption of therapies in Australian clinical psychology programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Australia
• cognitive behaviour therapy
• psychological therapy
• theoretical orientation
• training

Disclosure statement

Nikolaos Kazantzis, PhD., FAPS reported being the Australian delegate for the International Association of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which has a strategic partnership with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy; being a consultant to the Australian Psychological Society; serving on the advisory board, being a member of the faculty, and fees from the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy; receiving compensation from Springer Nature; receiving royalties from Springer Nature, Guilford, and Routledge publishers of New York. No other author had conflicts of interest to disclose.

Data availability statement

Raw data were generated at the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Research Unit. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the primary author [TI] on request.