ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that couple and family therapy (CFT) trainers and supervisors are at a key juncture in time, within a rapidly changing social context, to carefully review many of the core beliefs and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. The enduring concepts and practices included in this section have met the criteria of having endured the test of time, by being prominent in the training and supervision literature for at least two decades. Evaluation is a primary responsibility of trainers/supervisors, who must judge whether or not trainees/supervisees possess the appropriate level of knowledge and clinical skills. Trainees/supervisees are sheltered from providing therapy beyond the scope of their competency. The public is protected by minimal standards that are established by training programs, professional organizations, accrediting bodies, and licensure boards. Trainers/supervisors have consistently emphasized the importance of developing self-awareness, or the self-of-the-therapist.
