Operational definition of 'Expert Therapist' in empirical research. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The study of the characteristics of therapists with superior performance could be useful for the understanding of psychotherapy and the development of training methods. However, currently this field faces difficulties in the conceptual and theoretical delimitation of the phenomenon. Aim: To analyze the theoretical and operational definition of expert therapist in empirical research published in academic journals. Method: Systematic scope review, based on keywords related to psychotherapeutic expertise, according to PRISMA criteria. Results: A total of 36 articles were analyzed. Only seven studies were based on a theory of expertise. The role of the expert was delimited to thematic consultant, reagent of an experimental situation or result of a test. The criteria to delimit the variable were institutional affiliation, contribution to the discipline, credentials, work dedication, experience, training, peer nomination, deliberate practice and performance. Conclusions: The concept of expert psychotherapist is highly heterogeneous and poorly defined in research. Finally, most articles use unreliable methods to define expertise in this area.