The essential outlines the complex field of psychotherapeutic competencies (knowledge, practical skills, and attitude) and demonstrates how and in what order these competencies can be taught and assessed. The current training for psychotherapists urgently needs reform. More than ever, it should focus on what makes a good psychotherapist and how they can best acquire their competencies. Furthermore, it must be possible to assess the quality of psychotherapeutic actions rationally. Psychological and medical psychotherapists apply highly consequential practical skills tailored to individual cases and patients. Therefore, they must also be able to justify and take responsibility for their actions from an ethical standpoint. The training for psychotherapists must equip them with these abilities as well.