The core competencies of cognitive-behavioural therapy, both in general and when applied to specific clinical concerns, have been well-documented. There are many seminal sources that guide us to conceptualize cases and to use CBT techniques that fit well with the client’s needs. This is all well and good, as there is a healthy database attesting to the efficacy of many CBT procedures and protocols. Nevertheless, this is not the entire story. Assessing a client’s problems and applying CBT techniques are indeed necessary competencies if we are to provide clients with efficacious treatment. However, optimizing the benefits of CBT requires that we as therapists work to improve our meta-competencies, which are the methods that facilitate clients’ investment in treatment and help clients to internalize and maintain what they have gained. Meta-competencies represent therapist characteristics and qualities that help them to bring the best of their interpersonal skills to bear on maximizing therapeutic bonding and collaboration with their clients. Further, meta-competencies include skills in the areas of communication (e.g., being very clear), organization and attention (e.g., staying on track in session whilst allowing for important digressions), timing (e.g., knowing when to make a point, and when to wait), creativity (e.g., using stories, metaphors, analogies, images), and being motivational (e.g., inspiring clients in a state of despair to want to live, and to believe in themselves).

Content

This webinar will describe and illustrate the “meta-competencies” of conducting CBT. The presentation will build upon the evidence-based methods that are well-described in CBT manuals by highlighting therapist competencies that amplify the efficacy of CBT. Meta-competencies reflect the qualities and practices of individual therapists that show promise in helping their clients experience CBT with as much positive impact and staying power as possible. Some meta-competencies are closely related to the broad “foundational competencies,” including relational skills, cultural humility, and self-reflection. Other meta-competencies include an ability to communicate concepts and care very clearly to clients; having a good sense of timing and humour; being well-organized within sessions and across sessions for optimal continuity; possessing a good memory (e.g., for the facts of the client’s life) and similarly helping the client to remember the key lessons of therapy; using enlightening stories, images, metaphors, and analogies to make complex ideas accessible; bringing inter-disciplinary knowledge from a wide range of subjects and experiences into the therapeutic dialogue; and otherwise using words and gestures in creative ways to inspire clients to make important changes. Going beyond CBT competencies to develop our meta-competencies means that we are using the best of our personal strengths and styles in the service of sound, well-supported practices. It means that we are not just using techniques – we are also bringing our conceptual and relational skills to bear on each moment with our clients, speaking and listening effectively, being responsive to clients’ feedback, and making therapy inspirational and memorable.