Psychiatry is associated with chemical interventions as much as psychotherapy is with verbal ones. These professions tend to be positioned at opposite ends of a therapeutic continuum by those who practice them. Yet, theory indicates that mental health can only be defined within its socio-cultural context, that cognition, behaviour and emotions are interdependent with physical well-being. Work-based observations indicate that a holistic approach to mental health leads to more successful outcomes. Why then do difficulties arise when attempting integration? This article suggests that while difficulties are multi-factorial, they include personal resistance to changing professional mindset/identity which subsequently impacts negatively on the building of collaborative relationships at hum an level. They may manifest through the language used, the resources available, the power retained and ways of doing things of the various professionals involved. We shall attempt to illustrate this suggestion by narrating the Maltese experience of setting up of a postgraduate psychiatry specialists training course, including a strong psychotherapeutic component, which brought about interesting culture changes. This article intends to share how this course came about, the line of thought behind its contents, the efforts made to co-create a mutual understanding between psychotherapy trainers and psychiatry trainees and the impact it had on all stakeholders. It suggests that when attempting to create an integrated approach one needs to concentrate on developing a common language between professionals facilitating the building of healthy relationships and increasing collaboration. Believing in influence by example, this article is co-written by a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist who would like to promote collegial collaboration, a holistic approach and the use of a common language.