Involvement of service users in education and training: A review of the literature and exploration of the implications for the education and training of psychological therapists

Abstract

Background: This paper is concerned with the issue of service user involvement in education and training within psychological therapy training within the UK.

Aims: In particular this paper reflects on the literature on user involvement to gain a deep understanding of its status in the education and training of psychological therapists.

Method: A systematic search of the literature indicates minimal involvement from service users in the education and training of psychological therapists.

Results: The possible reasons for this are discussed, along with what service users might want from such involvement, what it might add to psychological therapies training, the models of involvement that might be adopted, how service users may be recruited and how they may be involved in the various stages of the educational process, from commissioning, through delivery, to evaluation of programmes.

Conclusion: If service user involvement in psychological therapy training is carefully planned, supported and evaluated, it could improve the trainees' practice, so that it reflected the priorities and wishes of those receiving the service. Nevertheless, it is currently an underdeveloped area within contemporary psychological educational practice.

Declaration of interests: None.

Keywords:

• Service user
• involvement
• psychological therapy
• education
• training