Clinical Expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Definition and Pathways to Acquisition

Evidence-Based Practice is premised on current research evidence, patient factors, and clinical expertise. The definition of clinical expertise has been the most contentious, primarily owing to the ambiguity of the construct. However, attempts have been made by the American Psychological Association to outline standards of clinical competence required for psychologists, irrespective of theoretical orientation, and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program in the UK has recently outlined a framework for therapist competences in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in particular. This paper aims to review these recent conceptual developments in defining competence and addresses current training programs and certification standards that aim to ensure that CBT therapists acquire these standards of competence.