An inquiry into the relevance of the current model of continuing professional development to the work of psychotherapy

Originally conceived as a doctoral research project into continuing professional development
(CPD) for psychotherapists this report touches only on a few of the key themes identified.
A qualitative enquiry with five therapists was supplemented with a questionnaire completed by
forty one therapists and a review of the CPD requirements of the leading professional bodies.
This research indicates that therapists are dedicated to self-development but the nature of their
development is more emergent than planned; and life experiences, learning from clients and
acceptance in the professional community are valued above more traditional concepts of CPD.