Trainee Perceptions of Teaching of Different Psychotherapies

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the perceptions of senior psychiatric trainees regarding the extent and satisfaction of the teaching during psychiatric training of five different psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dynamic therapy, family therapy, group therapy and supportive therapy. Method: A 60-item questionnaire was completed by 95 senior psychiatric trainees in Australia and New Zealand. This questionnaire used Likert scales to examine the degree of satisfaction in the quality of teaching received in the five psychotherapies. The teaching mostly consisted of seminars and supervision. Qualitative responses were also sought regarding the experience of teaching and suggestions for improvement. Results: Satisfaction rates in the quality of teaching varied from 7 to 41% and in the extent of teaching ranged from 4 to 20%. Trainees wished for more training in CBT, group, family and supportive therapies, practical seminars, and better supervision. Conclusions: Psychiatric trainees view the extent and quality of teaching in the psychotherapies as being deficient. Implications of these findings are discussed.