La psychothérapie à l’université : ouvertures et perspectives. Entretien avec le Professeur Cyril Tarquinio

Abstract

PurposeThe question of psychotherapists’ training in psychotherapeutic practices appears to be generally avoided in French universities. As part of the start of the academic year, Professor Cyril Tarquinio has reached out to teacher-researchers to propose practical solutions to develop the teaching of psychotherapies. MethodThe proposed article is an interview conducted with Professor Cyril Tarquinio in September 2019 at the Pierre Janet Center, an independent service belonging to the University of Lorraine (Faculty of Psychology - Metz site). ResultsIn most European countries, either there is a difference between the training of clinical psychologists and that of psychotherapists, or clinical psychologists are required to complete postgraduate academic training that may last several years (300 to 400hours of internship) in order to use the title of “psychotherapist.” Today in France, students who graduate from clinical psychology programs become de facto psychotherapists, just like junior psychiatrists. In fact, while the time devoted to the teaching of psychotherapies is very limited, generations of practitioners have heard of only one approach (psychoanalytic or cognitive-behavioral in general). DiscussionHypnosis, Life Cycle Integration, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, psychodynamic therapies, psycho-corporal approaches, etc., deserve attention. There is a growing body of literature that testifies to their relevance, not to mention their effectiveness/efficiency. But these models must be hypotheses in constant dialogue with the field, which constantly transforms our understanding of the ideas and behaviors of our patients, as well as our capacity to take care of them. If these models and theories are ultimately so numerous, it is without doubt because none of them is completely satisfactory in itself or because there is truth in each one of them. The most amazing thing is that they are sometimes light years away from each other, at least in appearance. ConclusionAfter a resistance that has lasted for nearly half a century, it would be appropriate today to stimulate an evolution of the profession of psychotherapist by developing training in psychotherapeutic practices. Unique in France, an autonomous service of the University of Lorraine operating on its own funds, the Pierre Janet Center appears as a laboratory precursor of a new model of university structure associating clinical practice, the teaching of psychotherapies, and clinical research in a coherent way. While the creation of a specific PhD appears an interesting solution, the fundamental issues of supervision and continuing education will also need to be addressed in detail.