Building connections through teletechnologies to augment resident training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes the utilization of teletechnologies for training in psychodynamic psychotherapy in a residency training program. This includes the development of a unique psychodynamic psychotherapy case conference for residents, education in a particular model of short-term dynamic psychotherapy through distance education, and the use of web-based technologies to provide individual case supervision. METHODS: Evaluation forms and verbal feedback from trainees have been used as a preliminary evaluation of this program. RESULTS: Experience with educational models using web-based technologies have greatly enhanced the learning experience for residents beginning training in psychodynamic psychotherapy CONCLUSION: Web-based technologies can be used effectively to augment resources in a residency training program and might be considered to link programs to share resources.

The role of therapist activity in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

The teaching of psychodynamic psychotherapy is a critical component of psychiatric residency training programs. The authors argue that encouraging our residents to become active while providing psychodynamic psychotherapy is a skill that can be taught. By helping residents to understand how to actively help patients focus on their internal world, identify and work with the defenses, and develop and maintain a treatment alliance, psychodynamic educators can enable psychiatric residents to feel far more competent when working in this paradigm. Such a stance inevitably leads to greater excitement and enjoyment for trainees, as well as better outcomes for patients.