COURSES ▶ SEMINAR
Expertise in Psychotherapy: What is it and how do you develop it?
Why do some therapists consistently achieve better outcomes than others, even when using similar treatment approaches?
Monday, 14th September, 2026
9am-12pm PST
Live Online Seminar through Zoom
Instructors:
George Silberschatz, PhD; Jim McCollum, PhD; Luena Maillard, MSW
This presentation examines the research on psychotherapy expertise, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on treatment models and years of experience. Drawing on evidence from therapist effects, common factors, deliberate practice, Control-Mastery Theory (CMT), and research on clinical decision-making, it explores how expert therapists develop individualized case formulations, tailor therapy to each patient's unique needs, goals, and contexts, and flexibly adjust their stance and interventions in response to ongoing client feedback and evolving plan formulations. The presentation also considers psychotherapy as a "wicked" learning environment, highlighting why experience alone does not reliably produce expertise and how systematic case formulation, deliberate feedback, and reflective practice can promote continued professional development. Practical implications for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and cultivating clinical expertise will be discussed.
Identify strategies for increasing expertise in learners' practices based on Control-Mastery Principles.
This course will cover:
Describe the characteristics of psychotherapy expertise and distinguish them from years of experience, theoretical orientation, or technical proficiency alone.
Explain how expert therapists use individualized case formulations to tailor interventions, monitor patient progress, and flexibly adapt treatment to each patient's goals, needs, and feedback.
Meet the Speakers
After completing this workshop, participants will be able to:
Describe characteristics of psychotherapy expertise and identify strategies for increasing expertise.
Course Level: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced
CME Credits: SFPRG designates this for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SFPRG is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
All planners and all presenters for this educational activity have no financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
CE Credits: 3 APA-approved CE hours. If you would like CEUs, you should indicate so during registration. COAs will be sent within 30 days of the class. You must arrive on time for the course and stay for the entirety of the program to receive CE credit.
Cost: $150 for General Public
$100 for SFPRG Members
$30 for Students (No CEU's or CMEs)
The Personalized Psychotherapy Institute (PPI) is the education wing of the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group (SFPRG)
registrations
Course Schedule: If you would like know more about the schedule for this event please contact our front office at cmt@sfprg.org or 415-561-6771
Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for this event. If you have questions about your registration, please contact our office at cmt@sfprg.org 415-561-6771
Co-sponsorship: There is no co-sponsor of this event.
Commercial Support: There is no known commercial support for this program.
Please note that registrations for all PPI classes are handled by the website of our parent member organization SFPRG. You will be redirected to that website to complete your registration. You need not be a member to register, however, if you are a member or have registered for one of our classes before, you will be prompted to enter your information.