Why Experience Alone Doesn’t Make Better Therapists with Daryl Chow

In this episode of Therapist Confidential, Travis Heath speaks with psychologist and researcher Dr. Daryl Chow about what actually makes therapists effective. Drawing from decades of research on deliberate practice and feedback-informed treatment, Daryl challenges some of psychotherapy’s most comfortable assumptions—including the idea that experience alone leads to better outcomes. Together, they explore why therapists often stop improving, the difference between performance and learning systems, and why humility, curiosity, and surprise may be hallmarks of highly effective clinicians. The conversation also touches on premeditated treatment plans, the limits of psychotherapy models, the role of good conversation, and what human therapists offer that AI cannot. A thoughtful, grounded episode for anyone serious about becoming a better therapist.