Mastering the Inner Skills of Psychotherapy: A Deliberate Practice Manual on Building Psychological Capacity

by Tony Rousmaniere, Joel Jin

Now in its second edition, this concise volume helps therapists develop the resilience and flexibility they need to deliver effective therapy.

Clients who are provocative, angry, shut down, or emotionally labile often arouse strong emotional responses in therapists. Without proper training and practice, these experiences can make it difficult for therapists to stay self-aware, attuned, and clinically flexible.

Founded on the principles of deliberate practice, this book presents a clear and concise training plan to help readers identify, develop, and master the inner skills necessary to be effective therapists. Authors Tony Rousmaniere and Joel Jin explain the theory and value of deliberate practice and guide readers through six experiential exercises to help them build psychological capacity. Readers select their own materials for exposure, ranging from movie clips to videotaped therapy sessions, and learn techniques to navigate their emotional reactions.

This second edition includes a new chapter for course instructors, extended and updated research, and expanded clinical resources.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Mick D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be present, move into resistance within your zone of proximal development, this graded exposure of what you resist will take time and is a reflexive process. Instead of avoiding that which evokes, work hard to be open, vulnerable, aware and equanimous.