Psychodynamic therapists' dilemmas in providing personal therapy to therapists in training: An exploratory study

Abstract

Aim: This study explores dilemmas facing psychodynamic therapists who provide personal therapy to therapists in training. Method: Eight experienced psychodynamic psychotherapists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format during which they were asked about the importance of personal therapy, if they encountered any dilemmas and, if so, how they resolved those dilemmas. Their responses were analysed using a qualitative form of content analysis. Findings: Two categories of dilemma emerged: clinical and personal. Clinical dilemmas arose out of the mandatory requirement for therapy, boundaries, fitness to practice and the suitability of trainees. Personal dilemmas included pressure to model, sense of responsibility, therapeutic narcissism, countertransference reactions, over-use of self and stressful involvement. The therapists' strategies for resolving the dilemmas are described. Conclusion: The results show participants considered personal therapy to be essential for trainees and thought it should be mandatory even though it led to difficulties in the therapy. Questions arose about the suitability of some trainees, the person of the therapist and stressful involvement. Further research into these important areas is recommended.

Keywords:

• counsellors
• personal therapy
• psychodynamic psychotherapists
• qualitative study
• therapists dilemmas
• trainees

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the participants who generously gave of their time and shared their experiences.