Getting CFD Therapists
It Doesn't Take an Advanced Degree to be a Great CFD Therapist
Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is a unique therapeutic modality that has been demonstrated clinically effective for children (ages 6+) and adults. But how does a clinic or health center find great candidates for CFD therapists?
Look for what's needed
Most mental health modalities start their list of qualifications - or limits on who should apply - by stating that a Master's degree or higher in the field is required. If a person hasn't met this bar, she need not apply for the open position.
However, being effective at bringing healing to mental health conditions doesn't come from earning a fancy diploma, or obtaining multiple certifications, or checking off enough boxes to satisfy a state agency.
Healing comes from two sources that necessarily must present together: an empathetic connection that communicates the person who is hurting is not bad or somehow less-than for hurting, and the hurting person doing those things that enable the hurt to move along and be resolved.
The ability to form an empathetic connection and motivate therapeutic doing are the most important qualities needed for GREAT CFD therapists. And these people can be found almost everywhere: parents, second career seekers, those who have experienced and overcome personal trauma or adversity, and - of course - people who have successfully completed a CFDT program.
CFD THERAPIST FROM Other Modalities
Being a great insight-based or talk therapist doen't mean a person will be a great CFD therapist - but it doesn't hurt, either.
Individuals trained and licensed as traditional therapists can make great CFD therapists. However, based on clinical experience, it is important that CFD therapy and traditional talk therapies are not mixed with the same client.
The reason for this is quite simple: Traditional talk therapies are, by nature, top-down processes focused on exploring thoughts and feelings. Conversely, CFD therapy is, by design, largely a bottom-up process that avoids the exploration of thoughts and feelings. However, CFD therapy develops the requisite neural and cognitive resources that allow the person to efficiently process thoughts and feelings in the background, without effortful exploration of thoughts and feelings from which the brain seeks to protect the individual.
How the CFDS can Help Find GREAT CFD Therapists
The pool of potential CFD Therapists in any community is conspicuously larger than the potential pool of traditional therapists. Finding them, however, requires different tactics than finding traditional therapists.
Development of CFD Therapist Job Descriptions
Understanding the expertise needed
We've been recruiting, hiring, and training CFD therapists for decades. Over that time we've noticed certain qualities that tend to be found in GREAT CFD therapists and certain qualities that tend to be found in...others. Based on our experience, we can help you formulate exceptional recruiting materials and job descriptions perfect for your organization's needs.
Screening CFD Therapist Applications
Filtering for excellence for Your Needs
Once candidates answer the job ad, the work of selecting your nect CFD therapist is only beginning. Too often interviewers ask the wrong questions or questions based on traditional modalities. CFD therapy is different; it is no surprise, then, that filtering the list of candidates down to two or three excellent choices requires a different approach. Over the years we've refined our process to filter for those individuals who will excel as CFD therapists significantly. And we can help you do the same.
Training on What Makes a Great CFD Therapist
Making the process reproducable
Organizations thrive on reproducable processes - that way we avoid re-inventing the wheel every time someone new does a task or there's an unexpected variation in the process. The CFDS can help your organization standardize the recruitment to excellence process, so you can build your team efficiently and effectively.
Development of Cross-Training Programs
Expanding the potentials pool
Recruiting new people off the street isn't the only place to find excellent CFD therapists. Often great candidates are already working in your organization. And with their existing experience and expertise, they add valuable insight to clinical engagements, along with organizational stability. Ask us how the CFDS can help formulate a cross-training program for your organization.
Success Stories
CFDT has successfully improved cognitive functions in various individuals, including those with cognitive impairments, traumatic brain injuries, and even neurological disorders. Some success stories include enhanced memory, attention, problem-solving skills, athleticism, academic and professional performance, and overall quality of life.
The Ideal CFD Therapist Profile
CFD is a unique and active therapeutic modality that works best when therapists embody and cultivate the following attributes:
Therapeutic empathy
Transferable clinical insight
Relational flexibility
Disciplined compassion
Fun-inducing
About Us
The CFD Institute is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT). Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people throughout the United States and Canada by training and certifying individuals to provide this transformative therapeutic modality.