Psychotherapy – a survey of psychiatrists' attitudes, beliefs and practice

Abstract

A postal survey was conducted among doctors practising psychiatry in the Mersey Region to ascertain attitudes, beliefs and practice with regard to psychotherapy, achieving a response rate of over 60%. There was a surprising absence of very strong feelings for or against psychotherapy which was not seen as a powerful treatment modality. There was little knowledge of the facilities provided by the regional service, and no general support for their expansion. The role of training in psychotherapy and its significance in light of guidelines for general trainees ore discussed. A need is recognised for greater awareness and contact between psychiatrists and the psychotherapy service.