Applying the Theory of Successful Intelligence to Psychotherapy Training and Practice

The theory of successful intelligence developed and tested by Robert Sternberg attempts to predict success in life across analytical, creative, and practical dimensions. This article presents the theory of successful intelligence as a useful framework for incorporating various psychotherapy techniques. Application of the theory has effectively trained teachers to enhance important skills in normally functioning children and adolescents, as well as adults in real world settings. Presumably it can be taught to therapists to be applied in a psychotherapy setting. In support of this argument, the article is divided into four sections. First, a definition of the theory of successful intelligence is presented. Second, empirical efforts for construct validation of the theory—both internal and external—are described. Third, the research that has been conducted on each aspect of the theory (analytical, creative, and practical) is discussed along with related constructs from the field of psychotherapy. Fourth, an example of the use of the theory in clinical practice is described, drawn from older case material which actually anticipated the uses of analytical, creative, and practical skill development with a depressed client.