PREDICTORS OF THERAPEUTIC THEORETICAL ORIENTATION IN A VOCATIONAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Given the findings that hold theoretical orientations at the same level with one another in regard to therapeutic effectiveness (referred to as relative efficacy), orientation is nevertheless highly valued in therapist development. There have also been numerous findings that orientation selection affects practitioner satisfaction, as well as burnout (Fear & Woolfe, 1999; Vasco, Garcia-Marques, & Dryden, 1993). Despite the importance of theory in clinical practice, there is little research surrounding therapist variables in the development of theoretical orientation (Bitar, Bean, & Bermudez, 2007). Given the lack of research, as well as the shift in landscape of theoretical orientation, the current study utilized Holland’s vocational typology to predict theoretical orientation in graduate trainees and professional clinicians, using an updated orientation scale to include more recent theories (e.g., integrative, third-wave contextual, multicultural). Results showed that counseling psychologists identified as more humanistic compared to their clinical psychology counterparts, and both social work and counseling psychology participants identified as more Social in Holland’s typology compared to the clinical psychology participants. The Investigative type was additionally found to significantly predict both CBT and behaviorism. Clinical implications are discussed in terms of how these findings can facilitate theoretical orientation exploration in graduate trainees.