Personal psychotherapy in psychiatric training: Study of four London training schemes

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD: We carried out a web-based survey to establish the proportion of London psychiatry senior house officers who undertake personal psychotherapy. Demographics, training characteristics and psychotherapy experience were examined using descriptive statistics. Predictors of personal psychotherapy status were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: The majority of trainees who undertook personal psychotherapy included training as a reason for doing so. Of the participants, 16% had undergone personal psychotherapy and of the remainder, 73% reported that they would consider it in the future. Ethnicity was the only predictor of psychotherapy status, with White British trainees nearly four times more likely to pursue it. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Personal psychotherapy appeared to have relevance to training from both a pastoral and a learning perspective. If training schemes wish to support this practice they will need to address difficulties trainees may face in accessing therapy. Trainees might also be encouraged to think about the effect of cultural factors on their attitudes towards psychological therapies.