BT08 Topical Panel 08 - Person of the Therapist - John Norcross, PhD; Bill O’Hanlon, MS; Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW, LCSW

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe the use of brief therapy techniques in specific clinical situations.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction and Panel Structure

• Panel on “The Person of the Therapist” features John Norcross, Bill O’Hanlon, and Michele Weiner-Davis (Ken Hardy absent).

• Format includes opening remarks from each speaker followed by discussion.

Why the Therapist Matters

• Norcross stresses therapist’s personal qualities significantly impact outcomes—more than specific techniques in some cases.

• Therapist effects account for 5–9% of therapy success.

• Argues against viewing therapists as interchangeable; calls for more focus in research and training.

Key Therapist Qualities

• Top five attributes: presence, empathy, honesty, love, and responsiveness.

• Advocates for stronger self-care, training, and supervision.

• Emphasizes development of the person—not just technical skill.

Bill O’Hanlon’s View on Motivation

• Therapists often drawn to the field by personal pain or passion (“bliss, blessed, pissed, dissed”).

• Shares his own journey and influence of Milton Erickson.

• Passion and connection are key to sustaining a therapeutic career.

Michele Weiner-Davis’s Personal Path

• Inspired by Erickson and personal family history (mother’s divorce).

• Sees therapy as deeply relational; values self-disclosure and vulnerability.

• Believes therapists must work on themselves and their own relationships.

Theory vs. Self in Practice

• New therapist asks about integrating personal style with theoretical orientation.

• Norcross recommends starting grounded in one or two models, then branching out.

• O’Hanlon and Weiner-Davis support an eclectic, integrative approach.

Licensure and Personal Growth

• Concern raised about lack of personal development in licensure.

• Panel agrees: current systems overlook therapist maturity and formation.

• Suggests personal development plans including therapy and self-reflection.

Empathy and Client-Centered Practice

• Passion for understanding clients and active listening are vital.

• Therapists should do less talking and more listening.

• Emphasis on tailoring therapy to what clients want.

Closing Reflections

• Panelists stress that who the therapist is matters deeply.

• Qualities like empathy, passion, and continual growth are essential.

• Final takeaway: therapist development is central to client success.