I found your text very interesting. In my training in Portugal we barely had some practice in therapy (only theory after theory). But on my Master degree in Spain, I found the method they used worth mentioning.

1st we role-playes. All of us went as therapist, and we always had some of our colleagues interpreting the oddest stories ever. It was filmed and then analyzed in group with our teacher.

2nd we started watching our teacher giving therapy. All with a double mirror.

3rd we went in as co-therapists or reflective teams. Co-therapist with the teacher helped us build some trust and r.t. made us give some insights without being of a huuge harm.

Then the co-therapies were between us (only students) or there were “lone” therapies. Always with a double mirror and the obviously useful supervision.

While traveling around, I’ve noticed other had another useful asset: telephone! The teachers called their students, from one to the other side of the mirror; they provided us with insights, suggestions and even “orders” (one may say) so that our job wasn’t thaaat bad!

I think the double mirror is the best thing for training!