Examining the competency of Filipino mental health professionals in psychodynamic psychotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Psychodynamic psychiatry forms the fundamental theoretical frame of reference for psychodynamic psychotherapy and related therapies using psychodynamic concepts. Over time, it faced questions about its empiricism, evidence base, cost-effectiveness, and fitness to the medical role. Although recent studies have reaffirmed its effectivity in mainstream medicine, its clinical practice in the local setting raises questions about the Filipino psychiatrists' systematic understanding and orientation to it, and signals a call for action.

Methodology: Attendees in the UP Philippine General Hospital - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (UP PGH-DPBM), 13th Post-Graduate Course on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, participated in an informal survey to generate hypotheses on the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Filipino mental health professionals regarding psychodynamic psychotherapy. One hundred eighty-two (182) respondents answered the survey and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results and discussion: Among the respondents, about 30% practiced psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in equal parts, 15% practiced mostly psychodynamic psychotherapy and 15% practiced mostly CBT, while the rest were either unsure or practiced other forms of psychotherapy. Most agreed that psychodynamic psychotherapy required scientific rigor and remained applicable, but were divided on treatment frame and boundary setting, approach selection, and specific concepts and techniques. In terms of perceptions and attitudes toward psychodynamic psychotherapy, most respondents displayed positive attitudes and interest in the intervention, but did not highly regard their own competence. These findings steer psychodynamic psychotherapy research toward the systematic review of the competence of trainees and practitioners, the standardization of its education and training, and its applicability in a cultural context of limited resources.

Keywords: Filipino psychodynamic psychotherapy; boundaries; cultural competence.