"Psychotherapist Know Thyself!": Dissonance Between Metatheoretical and Personal Values in Psychotherapists of Different Theoretical Orientations

Psychotherapists of different theoretical persuasions were surveyed, via mailed questionnaires, to evaluate personal characteristics, theoretical persuasions, and personal philosophy and values (i.e., metaphysical and epistemological commitments). An index of dissonance between the metatheoretical assumptions of therapists' selected orientations and their personal values was computed. This index was related to several variables. The most important finding is an inverse correlation between the index of dissonance and both the level of satisfaction with selected orientation and weight given to personal philosophy and values when selecting theoretical orientation. Implications for training and research are drawn.