Training in psychodynamic psychotherapy: the psychiatric trainee's perspective

Various problems can occur when embarking upon training in psychodynamic psychotherapy for the first time. If the difficulties experienced by trainees are not given serious attention by supervisors, trainees may give up at an early stage. This paper looks at the subjective difficulties experienced by three junior trainees in psychiatry in adjusting to such training, and includes comments in reply from one of the organisers of the course which the trainees attended. It is essential for supervisors to address trainees concerns openly, in order to avoid a further decline in the use of this important part of the therapeutic armamentarium.