Ready for More Than Good Enough?

There's a predictable path your clinical skills follow, whether you're developing expertise in a therapy focus, therapy model, or a focused client group. 

You'll move through four distinct stages:
Beginner → Competent → Expert → Master*

Here's what happens at each stage:

Beginner: You have basic knowledge or skill. Everything feels difficult, sometimes overwhelming. For example, when you're learning ACT, the steps feel clunky, and you cling to the instructions like mud to a shoe. Your own inner advisor gets loud, too: You look stupid. You're in over your head.

Competent: You have experience now. You can focus on what's essential. You have access to a broader range of tools and experiences to share with clients. Sessions feel easier. Clients make progress. You sometimes think you'll sit happily here.

Expert: You've put in time, practised in role plays, and cringed during feedback. Function spotting is second nature to you now. You can roll with your clients' language. You know the principles so well that you are creative in the room and rarely need tin-can exercises and protocols. It looks effortless—but it's taken focused effort.

Master: You're at the highest level. People attend your workshops. You have written books or articles. Folks know you have devoted time to your profession.

Here's the problem:

You don't get stuck at competent because you lack talent. You get stuck because becoming an expert requires hard work, and three obstacles can block your path:

1. Competing demands pull you away, whereas practice time never feels urgent.  
2. Your advisor runs the show. You focus on immediate problem-solving instead of what you deeply care about
3. You avoid the difficult feelings that come with real practice

Here's the choice: 

Choose to stay competent for activities you don't value. Don't invest more time in things that are not lighting you up.

Choose to put your time into the area of your career that truly matters to you? Recognise where you are at, and work around those 3 obstacles. 

Here's a way forward: 

Even when you know which stage you're at, it's hard to get out of being stuck. Mentorship and a program that prioritises your development can change your trajectory. You'll identify exactly what needs to shift and get guidance towards it. 

If you're ready to move beyond competent in your practice and career, you can book an obligation-free chat with Louise.

👉 Book Your 1:1 Chat with Louise

Hope to speak to you soon,

Louise Hayes, PhD

Learn more about Training, Courses & Mentorship

Click here to learn more about Therapist & Mentoring Adventures

*From: Hayes, L. L., Ciarrochi, J. V., & Bailey, A. (2022). What Makes You Stronger: How to Thrive in the Face of Change and Uncertainty Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications.