Self-experience means that anyone who wants to provide psychotherapeutic treatment to others must undergo therapy themselves. In psychodynamic training, this primarily takes the form of individual self-experience, also known as training therapy. Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis Based on Depth Psychology They differ in terms of training and setting.
One’s own feelings during treatment—countertransference—are inevitable and diagnostically valuable. The key is being able to distinguish between them. What is part of one’s own history, and what is triggered by this patient? Those who are aware of their own patterns can recognize their own reaction in the therapeutic relationship use this information rather than following it unconsciously. This not only serves to protect patients, but also provides psychotherapists with valuable insights into the internalized relationship patterns of their clients.
Since the 2020 reform of the Psychotherapist Act, the path to becoming a certified psychotherapist involves completing a degree program followed by licensure and several years of specialized training. The previous training program, which began after completing a degree, is now only available under a transitional provision until 2032.
Self-awareness training is mandatory in both tracks. The exact scope is governed by the continuing education regulations of the state psychotherapists’ associations, and its effect is particularly noticeable from the patient's perspective.
