Which Theoretical Orientation Should You Choose?

Curt and Katie chat about how therapists typically select their clinical theoretical orientation for treatment. We look at the different elements of theoretical orientation (including case conceptualization, treatment interventions, and common factors), what impacts our choices, the importance of having a variety of clinical models to draw from, the types of practices that focus on only one clinical theory, and suggestions about how to approach choosing your theories for treatment, including some helpful assessments.

In this podcast episode we talk about how therapists pick their theoretical orientation

We received a couple of requests to talk about clinical theoretical orientation and how Curt and Katie chose their own. We tackle this question in depth:

Choosing a clinical theoretical orientation

The different elements of clinical orientations

What impacts which theoretical orientation we choose as therapists

The importance of having a variety of clinical theories that you can draw from

Why some therapy practices operate with a single clinical model

Suggestions on How to Approach Choosing Your Clinical Theoretical Orientation

Instruments for Choosing a Theoretical Orientation

Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:

We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!

Institute for Creative Mindfulness

Very Bad Therapy Podcast

Petko, Kendrick and Young (2016): Selecting a Theory of Counseling: What influences a counseling student to choose?

What is the Best Type of Therapy Elimination Game

The Practice of Multimodal Therapy by Arnold A. Lazarus

Poznanski and McClennan (2007): Measuring Counsellor Theoretical Orientation

Relevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:

Unlearning Very Bad Therapy

Interview with Dr. Diane Gehart: An Incomplete List of Everything Wrong with Therapist Education