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ABSTRACT
This article reports on three key findings of pluralistic research into psychotherapists’ experience of continuing professional development (CPD). A qualitative enquiry with five therapists utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, was supplemented with a questionnaire completed by an additional 41 therapists and a review of the CPD requirements of the leading professional bodies. This research indicates that therapists are dedicated to self-development but the nature of their development is emergent rather than planned; and life experiences, learning from clients and acceptance in the professional community are valued above more traditional concepts of CPD.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
David Fender is a psychotherapist in private practice seeing clients with a variety of presenting issues. In addition, he works as an organisational consultant in a range of hospitality companies delivering executive coaching and bespoke leadership development programmes. He is particularly interested in how we become the best we can.