The therapist's therapist
Wolpe, J.
American Journal of PsychoTherapy 42(3): 509-510
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9564 PMID: 3177712 Document Number: 314457
Little is known about the personal treatment experiences of psychotherapists. This investigation employed a questionnaire sent to randomly selected psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to assess the characteristics of their personal therapy and therapists. Overall, 50 percent responded; 71 percent of the respondents reported at least one episode of personal treatment. Of 16 therapist-selection criteria, the respondents rated perceived competence, clinical experience, professional reputation, and personal warmth as the most salient. The therapist's research productivity was the least important. Most psychotherapists were treated by caucasian men, although increasing proportions of women were seeking women therapists. The majority undertook treatment with a psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapist; the respondent's current orientation was systematically related to his/her therapist's orientation. There was a prominent trend for younger respondents-both male and female-to increasingly seek female and nonmedical psychotherapists for their own treatment.