TRAINING GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPISTS: A METHOD AND EVALUATION

Abstract

The usual format of training in group psychotherapy has been as follows: the trainee observes an experienced therapist until such time as he is considered able to handle a group himself, at which time he finds himself in a rather startling and new role. Use of co-therapists has been suggested as a training device (3, 4) but in the view of the present authors, as well as in that of others (1, 6) it unnecessarily complicates interpersonal relationships and patterns of interaction. Following from these considerations, it was proposed that a new method of training be formulated; one in which the trainee could take an active part as an independent therapist (after a minimum of observer experience) and yet one which would not be likely to produce or maximize complications between the trainee and supervisor. With this in mind, a trainee was assigned to a group as an observer, his supervisor being the therapist. Additionally, however, another group was formed with the trainee as its therapist and the supervisor as its observer. With such an arrangement both parties had opportunity to observe each other "in action" and discuss issues regularly. Over the period of four months during which this program was carried out, both the supervisor and trainee felt it was a worthwhile contribution to training method. In the role of observer neither the trainee nor the supervisor took an active part in the group meetings.