Influences that count: professional development of psychotherapists and counsellors in India

ABSTRACT The helping professions of psychotherapy and counselling involve a process of lifelong learning and professional development. Multiple influences may serve as pathways to professional development and growth. The study explored practitioner perceptions of a range of influences on their development as therapists. The Development of Psychotherapists Common Core Questionnaire-India (DPCCQ-I) was completed by 250 mental health practitioners with diverse professional backgrounds and experience levels, practising in India. A section assessed therapists’ ratings of ten potential influences, both positive and negative, on their professional development. Thse results indicated that experiences in therapy with clients, reading books and journals, therapists’ personal life experiences, and case discussions were perceived as having the most positive impact on development as a therapist. The most frequently reported negative influences were institutional conditions, experiences with clients, and personal life experiences. The strength of influences in select domains varied according to therapist experience levels and professional background and was significantly associated with indices of therapist perceptions of their skills and growth in therapeutic work. These results are discussed in the context of unique practice realities in India. Implications for professional training and continuing development are outlined.