Therapist Beliefs, Goal Orientation, And Self-Efficacy Among Clinical Psychologists

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between therapist beliefs, goal orientation, counselor self-efficacy among clinical psychologists. Given the increasing demand for mental health services, understanding the factors that enhance or hinder therapist effectiveness is crucial. Counselor self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one’s ability to execute behaviors necessary for successful outcomes, is influenced by various beliefs and goal orientations. Materials and method: Thirty-two clinical psychologists from all throughout India made up the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire for socio-demographic details was administered. Therapist Beliefs Scale-R, Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), and Goal Orientation Scale were used. This correlational research incorporates quantitative questionnaires to examine how mastery and performance goal orientations affect therapist beliefs and counselor self-efficacy. To examine the relationship between the variables, Pearson’s Correlational Coefficient was employed. Results: The result indicates that mastery goal orientation positively correlates with counselor self-efficacy fostering resilience and persistence. Conclusion: Qualitative insights emphasize the importance of supportive environments and continuous professional development in enhancing therapist confidence. The findings underscore the need for training programs that promote healthy beliefs and mastery orientations to improve therapeutic practice and client care. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between therapist beliefs, counsellor self-efficacy, and goal orientation, providing valuable implications for training and practice in the field of psychotherapy.