Psychodynamisches Fallseminar im Masterstudiengang

Stimulated by the discussion about the direct training of psychotherapists, this article presents the concept of a psychodynamic case seminar held by the author in the context of a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology and psychotherapy at the University of Kassel. The seminar was spread over 3 days during which the catalogue of questions on the report to the experts for an application for health insurance was discussed and elaborated on the basis of case examples. To obtain a certificate of performance the students were required to write their own case study at the end of the course. The author outlines the possibilities and limitations of the instruction concerning psychodynamic theories and methods in a university context. In addition, the criticism of the previous training is considered in order to show the necessity for reform.The direct training of psychotherapists opens up an opportunity for retention and further development of psychoanalytically oriented therapies. Particularly because the student’s interest in the seminar was obvious and it is reasonable to expose the students to psychodynamic thinking even at an early stage. At the same time the seminar clearly showed how big the prejudices towards psychoanalytical theories and therapies are. On the one hand there are utopian opinions that a psychotherapy procedure can be quickly learnt and that changes in patients can be achieved in a short time but on the other hand psychotherapeutic methods are devalued because their effectiveness should be doubted for lack of scientific evidence. Reform of the professional training could present the possibility for early prevention of prejudices and to encourage research projects.