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The qualities and actions of effective therapists, based on theory, policy, and research evidence, can guide others toward continual improvement. Various therapists delivering different treatments in various contexts will emphasize some of these important qualities more than others (Wampold, 2011). Effective therapists have a sophisticated set of interpersonal skills. Clients of effective therapists feel understood, trust their therapist, and believe the therapist can help them. Effective therapists form working alliance with a broad range of clients and provide an acceptable and adaptive explanation for the client’s distress. They provide a treatment plan that is consistent with the explanation provided to the client. The therapist is influential, persuasive, and convincing and continually monitors client progress in an authentic way. Additionally, this therapist is flexible, adjusting therapy if resistance to the treatment is apparent or the client is not making adequate progress. Difficult material in therapy is not avoided but is used therapeutically, and the therapist communicates hope and optimism.

Effective therapists are aware of the client’s characteristics and context. They are aware of their personal psychological process and do not inject their own material into the therapy process unless such actions are deliberate and therapeutic. The effective therapist is also aware of the best research evidence related to the particular client in terms of treatment, problems, and social context and understands the biological, social, and psychological bases of the disorder or problem experienced by the patient. The effective therapist typically achieves expected or more than expected progress with his or her clients (Wampold, 2011). Finally, the effective therapist seeks to continually improve his or her skills and knowledge.