Presentation for the 2015 Annual Fall Conference in Ashland, by Nancy L. Morgan, MS, PhD.

1. The 7 Qualities
Most Desired in
a Therapist
ORCA Conference
Ashland, OR
October 24, 2015
Nancy L. Morgan, MS, PhD

2. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Nancy L. Morgan, MS, PhD
Licensed Professional Counselor (Oregon) #LPC 3518
Clinical Psychologist (California) #PSY 23397
Distance Credentialed Counselor #1581
Clinical Supervisor:
Master’s & Doctoral Psychology Interns,
Skills Trainers & Case Managers
Director of Behavioral Health: InnVision Shelter Network
Clinical Practicum and Internship Site
Private Practice: Palo Alto/Mountain View, CA

3. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
 Goal of Presentation:
To provide you with feedback from clients
about what they most desire in a therapist.

4. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Learning Outcomes:
1. Gain a Better Understanding of the Components
of Therapeutic Efficacy
2. Identify the Qualities that Encourage the Early
Development of a Therapeutic Alliance
3. Discover a Deeper Understanding of the Needs
that We all Share in Common

5. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Q: How do therapists learn
how to be therapists?
1. The Manual
2. Their clinical supervisors
3. Their own therapists
4. Online tests

6. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
 Keep in mind this question:
What is the Greatest Gift you can
give your clients?

7. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
 The Story of “L”:
Behavioral Health and Training Center doctoral intern. Role: Group
facilitator
 General Processing Groups
 Clients: Adults diagnosed with Axis I and Axis II disorders
attending Partial Hospitalization Program’s morning and
afternoon groups
 Incentives to maintain attendance?
 Average age?
 Psychological challenges?

8. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Mistake #1
Too much talking/
not enough listening

9. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Mistake #2
Impatience

10. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Mistake #3
“L” took it personally

11. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
What
To Do?

12. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Results:
1._________________________
2._________________________
3._________________________
4._________________________
5._________________________
6._________________________
7._________________________

13. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
 Utilize to monitor your own growth and
development, e.g., asking “How much am I
listening right now?”
 Invite clients to rate your incorporation of
the 7 Qualities over the course of therapy.
 Additional ways to utilize 7 Qualities:
Replace “Therapist” with alternate title
(Supervisor, Skills Trainer, Case Manager…)

14. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
e.g., Jackson County
Clinical Supervisor - 2010
QMHAs’ Results
1. Impartial
2. Receptive
3. Empathetic
4. Accessible
5. Respectful
6. Competent
7. Listens

15. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Create Assessments
 Utilize for yearly review
to assess your incorporation
of the 7 Qualities,
and
 To further explore staff
members’ experiences.

16. Comparison of Top 7 Qualities Descriptors
2010
Completed by SRTF Residents Completed by SRTF QMHA’s
Top 7 Qualities Residents
Desired in a
Skills Trainer
Top 7 qualities Sills Trainers
(QMHA’S) desired in a
Clinical Supervisor
Honest Impartial
Trustworthy Receptive
Respectful Empathetic
Sincere Accessible
Friendly Respectful
Good Communicator Competent
Caring Listens

17. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Supervisor
2015
Completed by Doctoral & Masters Level Practicum Students
InnVision Shelter Network’s Behavioral Health & Training Program
Results
1. Competent
2. Compassionate
3. Encouraging; Direct; Accessible
4. Dependable
5. Open-minded; Listens
6. Helpful; Creative; Ethical
7. Responsive

18. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Diagnoses:
A word about
The DSM 5

19. Things to Remember
 • You will make mistakes.
 • You cannot help everyone.
 • You will not know everything.
 • You cannot go it alone.
 • Humility and a sense of humor will brighten
your most challenging days.

20. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
Question:
What is the
Greatest Gift
you can give
your clients?

21. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
1. Explored feedback re: components of therapeutic
efficacy
2. Explored the qualities that encourage the early
development of a therapeutic alliance
3. Explored some of the needs that we all share in
common

22. The 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist

23. Top 7 Qualities Most Desired in a Therapist
 Contact Information:
Nancy L. Morgan, MS, PhD
www.drnlmorgan.com
(650)437-9276
To subscribe to Life with Barphy…
barphy@barphy.com

24. Addendum: 7 Qualities
IVSN Homeless Adult Clients
1. Competent
2. Open-minded
3. Accessible
4. Listens
5. Compassionate
6. Helpful
7. Sincere
N = 16