Czech Master Therapists

Abstract

Existing research suggests that although many master therapists’ characteristics are interculturally valid, at least some of these characteristics are culturally bound. Interviews with nine peer-nominated Czech expert psychotherapists were subjected to thematic analysis that revealed 16 themes, organized into six categories: (1) humble attitude toward mastery, clients, and colleagues; (2) relationship; (3) awareness of one’s needs, limits, and resources; (4) continuous development; (5) engagement; and (6) awareness of the complexity of psychotherapeutic work. The results are discussed in the context of cultural differences, as well as specific historical circumstances of the development of the Czech therapeutic scene. Despite the fact that master therapists’ characteristics show fundamental similarity across countries and cultures, conducting studies in diverse environments may contribute to the formulation of a rich and culturally sensitive description of what is means to be a master therapist.

“It’s both a strength and a drawback.” How therapists’ personal qualities are experienced in their professional work

“…By providing support for the previous findings, this time, from a European and Scandinavian context, the present study adds to the literature by pointing to a common, cross-cultural ground for therapists' personal variables, regardless of differing values, education, and health systems (cf. Heinonen et al, 2012Heinonen et al, , 2014Jennings et al, 2008;Orlinsky & Rønnestad, 2005, Řiháček et al, 2016Rønnestad & Skovholt, 2013).…”