Communication and psychotherapeutic skills are valued as core skills for medical practitioners in delivering effective mental health care. However, with the increasing focus upon recovery, scientific findings in the neurosciences and the plethora of democratised mental health interventions offered via the internet, students will be asked to think critically about the place of psychotherapy within their own work settings and how psychotherapy maintains relevance in contemporary mental health care.

Using the CanMEDS domains of Communicator and Collaborator students will increase their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical constructs and scientific underpinnings of psychological therapies that they will continue to use throughout their medical practice. In reviewing psychotherapy in light of recovery-oriented mental health practice, students will be asked to consider if assumptions built into some psychotherapies or their application create barriers to preclude the equitable participation of all people. Students will address the theoretical perspectives and applications of psychodynamic and structured psychotherapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and others and learn key psychotherapeutic skills. Topics include building psychodynamic awareness and skills, e-therapies, the application of neurosciences to understanding psychotherapy and interprofessional communications. Students will use a review of their learning to identify and communicate a plan for professional development that supports psychotherapeutic practice appropriate to their projected work settings and roles.

Psychotherapy Psychiatric Course