Self-assessment of our competence as therapists

This chapter discusses the importance of therapist self-assessment of competence and subsequent professional development when treating child and adolescent anxiety and depressive disorders. We review a number of methods for improving self-assessment; address specific issues in self-assessment when working with anxiety and depressive disorders, and with children and adolescents; indicate some common obstacles to self-assessment, and suggest professional development strategies for overcoming these. By improving therapist self-assessment and ensuring therapists receive appropriate professional development, we anticipate that children and adolescents seeking assistance for anxiety and depressive disorders may receive a better standard of care.