An observation and group dynamics model for teaching psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Teaching and learning psychoanalytic psychotherapy are complex tasks involving the necessary integration of cognitive and affective elements. A model for this process is described that uses long-term observation of the teacher-mentor conducting therapy with a single patient. This method supplements and complements the use of supervision and case conferences to train psychoanalytic psychotherapists. The advantages of the observational mode are considered as well as the dynamics inherent in the group process and the discussion that follows the observation period. Such a pedagogical method emphasizes the important integration of affective and cognitive elements.