Therapy During Graduate Training as a Predictor Of Future Impairment

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Recent literature reviews about psychologists-in-training indicate almost three decades of limited research concerns surrounding trainee impairment. Forest et. al. (1999) defines it as “diminished professional functioning attributable to distress, burnout, and/or substance abuse, and unethical and incompetent professional behavior” (p. 631-632). Trainee impairment should be a concern, not only for educators, but for all in the field of counseling psychology, because trainees are the future of the field. Impaired trainees negatively impact clients and can lead to harmful experiences in therapy. All professional members of mental health sciences should be concerned that the future of the profession is maintained through proper training and remediation. In this literature review I will cover the limited material on trainee impairment while exploring the various factors that contribute to the impairment. In doing so, I will explore the various definitions of impairment, preventive measures, recent research and future research considerations, such as the use of personal therapy as a predictor of future impairment.

Start Date

4-12-2013 4:00 PM

End Date

4-12-2013 4:50 PM

Location

Commons Area - 1st Floor

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Apr 12th, 4:00 PM Apr 12th, 4:50 PM

Therapy During Graduate Training as a Predictor Of Future Impairment

Commons Area - 1st Floor

Recent literature reviews about psychologists-in-training indicate almost three decades of limited research concerns surrounding trainee impairment. Forest et. al. (1999) defines it as “diminished professional functioning attributable to distress, burnout, and/or substance abuse, and unethical and incompetent professional behavior” (p. 631-632). Trainee impairment should be a concern, not only for educators, but for all in the field of counseling psychology, because trainees are the future of the field. Impaired trainees negatively impact clients and can lead to harmful experiences in therapy. All professional members of mental health sciences should be concerned that the future of the profession is maintained through proper training and remediation. In this literature review I will cover the limited material on trainee impairment while exploring the various factors that contribute to the impairment. In doing so, I will explore the various definitions of impairment, preventive measures, recent research and future research considerations, such as the use of personal therapy as a predictor of future impairment.