Bringing It All Together

Responding to calls for international psychotherapy research, a qualitative meta-analysis (QMA) exploring the essential qualities of master therapists from a global perspective was conducted on seven master therapist studies from the United States, Canada, Czech Republic, Portugal, Singapore, Japan, and Korea. Based on the analysis of 111 themes, we identified the following eight meta-categories representing common strengths and characteristics among 72 master therapists from seven countries: (1) Distinctive Clinical Abilities, (2) Professional Development, (3) Relational Orientation, (4) Cognitive Complexity and Intricate Conceptualization, (5) Therapeutic Alliance, (6) Pursuit of Deep Self Knowledge and Growth, (7) Humility, and (8) Experience. The meta-categories are discussed in relation to the psychotherapy research literature on therapist factors and expertise. The Synthesis Model of Master Therapists from Around the World is introduced, and recommendations for research and training are provided.