Teaching Dynamic Psychotherapy by Observation

Abstract

Experience with a seminar demonstrating psychotherapy, interviews with 12 of the treated patients, and a survey of 23 residents have shown the value of this teaching method and its effect on the participants. Generally the patients felt helped and residents were enthusiastic. The teaching format has many valuable features--most important being the inclusion of a faculty-observer.

Education in Psychotherapy: Challenges and Pitfalls

“…It has been found particularly useful when the resident is joined behind the mirror by a faculty observer who is available to explain the patient -therapist interaction as it occurs. Post therapy sessions for discussion purposes complement this experience (17).…”

“…This school of thought denies that the process is akin to psychotherapy. However, even the representatives of this group acknowledge that because the resident's personality in supervision is a key factor, there is a temptation to convert supervision into psychotherapy (12,17,32). While Goin maintains that the discussion of counter-transference does not necessarily change supervision into therapy (16), Tarachow acknowledges that at times it dangerously approaches that stage (32).…”