ABSTRACT
As frequently noted, the model or models you choose to practice do not influence outcome as much as your belief in your model (Sprenkle, Davis, & Lebow, 2009). How then should a beginning therapist select a model to practice? One consideration is the nature of the therapist’s clientele. There are indications that the more action-oriented models (structural/strategic, IIC, and brief, IID) are more effective with at-risk youth than other models, and those models that avoid a focus on the negative (SFBT, Chapter 30; EFCT, Chapter 50; and Gottman marital therapy, Chapter 53) are more effective with couples (Sprenkle et al., 2009). Yet greater than these trends is the influence of the relationship of the client with the therapist (nrepp.samhsa.gov/Norcross.aspx). And surely a model that is a fit with the therapist’s personality, philosophy, and way of being in the world will best allow the therapist to develop an authentic relationship with his or her client. The choice of approach tells much about the therapist (Keeney, 1983); it is recommended, then, that the beginning therapist read widely and consider a variety of factors when choosing which models to study more deeply, not least his or her own personal understanding of the nature of change.
