Psychotherapeutic competence and the role of professional self-doubt in novice therapists

Background: One of the central goals of research in psychotherapy and therapist training is to investigate what distinguishes competent therapists from less competent ones. In this regard, professional self-doubt plays an important role, as some research shows that therapists with higher levels of professional self-doubt achieve better treatment outcomes. However, the role of professional self-doubt for novice therapists is less clear. Objectives and Research questions: This study aims to examine the relationships between professional self-doubt and psychotherapeutic competence in novice therapists. Participants: First semester master’s students in clinical psychology and psychotherapy and first semester master’s students in general psychology. Study method: This project is a sub-study of a larger longitudinal study. We will use data from the first two of three measurement points from that study. At each measurement point, participants complete an online survey. A sub-sample of participants also engages in role-plays with standardized patients.