https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.732
Models of practice and training in psychotherapy: cross-national perspectives from Italy and Canada
Submitted: October 20, 2023
Accepted: February 22, 2024
Published: March 14, 2024
Accepted: February 22, 2024
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Supplementary Material: 167
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Internationally, there is ongoing concern about accessibility to mental health care and training. The goal of this study was to explore commonalities and differences within models of clinical psychology and psychotherapy in Ontario, Canada, and Lombardia, Italy, respectively, to inform improvements to the accessibility of mental health care and training. Using key informant sampling, we recruited ten students and professionals in Italy and Canada who study or work in psychology for semi-structured interviews. We analyzed the interview content using an inductive approach for thematic analysis within countries and meta-theme analysis across countries. The findings indicated three cross-national meta-themes: the need to integrate evidence with practice, the limited accessibility of training for students and treatment for patients, and the importance of the quality of training programs. Despite some differences regarding the amount of scientific training, personal therapy for trainees, and the prominence of cultural diversity training, Canadian and Italian psychology professionals and students shared experiences of psychotherapy practice and clinical psychology training. The three cross-national meta-themes indicate which issues in training and practice may be relevant worldwide and where to focus resources. The findings can inform international collaborations regarding training model structures that may increase access to psychology training and may increase consensus on professional recognition standards to improve mobility for professionals. These changes could reduce barriers to mental healthcare services for patients.
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How to Cite
Klimkowski, V., McRae, S., Blick, A., Beaulieu, L., Handley, J. R. S., Hopley, A. A., … Tasca, G. (2024). Models of practice and training in psychotherapy: cross-national perspectives from Italy and Canada. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.732
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