Contemporary psychotherapists: A national survey of characteristics, practices, orientations, and attitudes.

Abstract

A representative sample of American psychologists engaged in psychotherapy were surveyed concerning their characteristics, activities, affiliations, theories, and selected attitudes. 410 members of APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy) returned a mailed questionnaire, providing a current and comprehensive assessment of the profession. Survey results are described in detail and compared to the findings of a similar survey of American clinical psychologists (Division 12 members). Among the most salient findings were that: over 80% of therapists have had personal therapy and highly value these experiences as preparation for providing therapy; individual therapy is the most popular therapeutic modality, but over one-half of the sample engage in marital and family therapy; while therapists spend relatively small percentages of their time doing research, they do as a group publish and present papers; private practice is the modal affiliation of the sample and may be the most equitable employment setting; and psychodynamic orientations have experienced renewed preference with eclecticism declining, suggesting a need for more integrative models of therapy.