Re:Effective learning of Cognitive Therapy

You make a good point in observing that there's a difference between adhering to a protocol and demonstrating competence.

On the one hand, one can rigidly do all the things a Cognitive Therapist is supposed to do (without sensitivity and understanding) and be ineffective. On the other hand, one can be sensitive and understanding but neglect important aspects of Cognitive Therapy and also be ineffective.

I'd argue that all of the "non-specific" aspects of therapy (such as genuineness, empathy, therapeutic alliance, etc.) are an important foundation for effectively using cognitive and behavioral techniques. A good therapeutic relationship is helpful on its own to some extent but it is even more helpful when combined with a clear understanding of the individual which serves as a basis for cognitive and behavioral interventions.

(I was trained in Client-Centered Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy before I learned Cognitive Therapy. Both my Client-Centered clients and my Psychodynamic clients got better but overall my Cognitive Therapy clients improve faster and improve more.)

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