Personal therapy for therapists and trainees: a theory of reflective practice from a review of the literature

Abstract

This review considered the literature relating to the use of personal therapy by psychological therapists and trainees in terms of its impact upon clinical practice since the last major review in 1998. The literature suggests that while therapists report that personal therapy benefits clinical practice, there is little evidence of direct benefit to clients. Furthermore, the literature has so far failed to provide a comprehensive model that is able to explain how therapy might impact on clinical and reflective practice. The findings of this review are cross‐referenced to develop a theory that attempts to explain the development of reflective practice through therapy and consider the implications of this for teaching and training therapists.

Keywords:

• reflective practice
• personal therapy
• therapists
• clinical