What has happened to the practice of short term dynamic psychotherapy in Australia’s mental health services? A multidisciplinary training programme in Western Sydney

Abstract

Objective: Short term psychodynamic psychotherapies have been markedly phased out of Australia’s mental health services. This paper aims to describe the successful introduction of a Conversational Model of Short Term Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy into a public health service in an attempt to revive its practice. Method: A brief review of relevant papers in the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists journals since 1980 gives a background to the decline of dynamic psychotherapy in Australia. The development of a Conversational Model of Short Term Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in the author’s private practice over 20 years, and its introduction into a hospital-based training programme are described. Results: A structured programme by scholarship has been offered yearly since 2011 to 10 multidisciplinary mental health clinicians of the Western Sydney Health District. Trainees see two patients from their own service. Over three years, 29 trainees have treated 57 patients with weekly supervision provided. Conclusions: The model has been easily learned. Trainees report a sense of re-invigoration, refinement of existing skills and acquisition of new skills. Resolution of problems in a significant number of patients is noted and improvement and satisfaction reported by others. A valuable service is provided and research is underway.