Learning therapy : some reflections on the constraints and dilemmas involved : a case study

This dissertation reviews the process of learning psychotherapy. It focuses on the second year of a two-year course work degree at the University of Cape Town, the M.A. in Clinical Psychology. In problematizing the method of teaching psychotherapy, Steiner's (1984) three essential elements for training psychotherapists are introduced (i.e. a personal therapy, abundant clinical experience with supervision and a study of theory). These are used as a structure in which to consider the training programme outlined. A suggestion is made that the learning process necessitates a difficult intellectual and emotional rite of passage, a theme referred to throughout the study. The personal process of 'growing' into a Kleinian I Object Relations orientation is described. Some theoretical concepts central to this framework are introduced. Clinical case material (derived from therapy notes collected over a period of 47 weeks) is used to demonstrate a developing understanding of these concepts. Some of the dilemmas of a trainee therapist grappling with the process are described. The constraints of learning therapy within the context described, i.e. within a course which is not focussed exclusively on therapy training are highlighted. In concluding that trainers are ambivalent about the psychotherapy component of the programme described. the study offers some useful insights for trainers, supervisors and trainees.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1991

Author dc:creator

• Kottler, Amanda

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Levett, Ann

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13537

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/13537