Psychotherapy experience in Ireland

Abstract

Aims and methodA questionnaire was sent to members of the Psychotherapy Section of the Irish Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists to assess psychotherapy training.ResultsMembers from Northern Ireland, compared with those from the Republic, had more mandatory psychotherapy experience in a variety of psychotherapies, had attended more lectures on the theories of the psychotherapies, had cases longer in analysis and were more satisfied with their level of supervision. Few non-consultant hospital doctors had obtained mandatory psychotherapy training as outlined by the College guidelines and they were also generally dissatisfied with their basic training in psychotherapy.ImplicationsAlthough there were clear qualitative differences in psychotherapy training between Northern Ireland and the Republic, 100% of members believed there should be improvements in the training of psychotherapy in Ireland. If the Royal College guidelines are to be adhered to, these results would imply that changes in the structure of psychotherapy training in Ireland particularly for non-consultant hospital doctors are required.