Selbsterfahrung (self-experience)

I sometimes post things here about how psychiatry is in Germany. I find it interesting to see how systems and trainings differ. In Germany, Selbsterfahrung, (literally “self-experience") meaning personal therapy for self-reflection, is a required part of psychiatry and psychotherapy training. It usually involves about 150 to 200 hours of individual or group sessions with an experienced therapist.

The aim isn’t treatment, but personal insight. Understanding how one’s own emotions, experiences, and personality can influence therapeutic work. This process helps trainees develop empathy, self-awareness, and a stronger professional identity, grounded in the idea that to truly understand others, you first need to understand yourself.

I found mine really helpful. Did it in a group, 150 hours spread throughout 6 weekends within a year. Each weekend had a different topic. Life history, anxiety, anger, needs, personality and survival rules.

Sitting in a circle with 7 other potential colleagues in a cozy living room in a house in a town in the Alps. A therapy dog in the middle of the room. Eating freshly baked pastries that our leading psychotherapist made. Huge windows, snow falling outside. Talking about our developmental stories, our central fears and anxieties, how we cope with them, and about our met and unmet needs. And how all of that meshes together to form who we currently are.

I really appreciate having been able to have that experience. I found it invaluable, and it gave me many tools that I use in psychotherapy.

Any other countries that have a similar training requirement?