Review article

A training need to help core trainees prepare for the psychotherapy long case was identified. We prepared and showed a training DVD to all core psychiatric trainees at South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS trust. A questionnaire was designed to receive feedback from trainees. A total of 26 trainees participated. All trainees found the DVD informative. Most trainees found the DVD helpful in reducing their anxieties prior to taking on a long case. All trainees found the DVD accurately reflected their experience of psychotherapy and supervision. Using simulated and technology-aided learning material is a useful and economical way of introducing psychotherapy skills to core psychiatry trainees before the clinical supervised experience of a long case.