Foundations of Psychotherapy: Core Skills for Every Psychiatric Clinician
In Episode 1.8 of Psychiatry Boot Camp, we return to the roots of the therapeutic relationship with an engaging and practical introduction to psychotherapy. Whether you're pursuing a psychodynamic path or primarily a med management role, understanding and integrating psychotherapy is a core skill for every psychiatrist.
Leading this essential conversation is Dr. Donna Sudak, Professor of Psychiatry and Vice Chair for Education at Drexel University College of Medicine, and Past President of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Programs (AADPRT). A nationally respected educator, Dr. Sudak brings warmth, wisdom, and decades of experience to the art and science of therapy.
🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ What psychotherapy is—and what it isn’t
✔️ The role of psychotherapy in modern psychiatric practice
✔️ The “common factors” that make all therapy modalities effective
✔️ How to build rapport and therapeutic alliance from the very first visit
✔️ Techniques to incorporate therapy into brief medication appointments
✔️ Key distinctions among popular therapy styles: CBT, psychodynamic, supportive, etc.
✔️ How to recognize when to refer, when to co-manage, and when to take the lead
✔️ The future of psychotherapy training in psychiatric education
📌 Why Psychotherapy Still Matters in Psychiatry:
Despite the increasing demands for medication management and time efficiency, the psychiatrist who understands how to apply basic psychotherapy techniques in every encounter offers deeper healing and more sustainable outcomes.
Psychotherapy helps patients explore meaning, reduce suffering, shift behavior, and find emotional resilience. Dr. Sudak reminds us that every moment with a patient is an opportunity for therapeutic work—even in a 15-minute follow-up.
This episode equips learners with practical strategies to bring psychotherapeutic thinking into any clinical setting.
👩⚕️ About Dr. Donna Sudak:
• Professor of Psychiatry & Vice Chair for Education, Drexel University College of Medicine
• Past President, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Programs (AADPRT)
• National expert in psychotherapy education and integrated treatment
• Author and speaker on cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychiatric pedagogy
Dr. Sudak is passionate about equipping the next generation of psychiatrists to become not only diagnosticians and prescribers, but skilled healers and guides in the therapeutic process.
🎯 Who Should Watch This Episode:
• Psychiatry residents and early-career psychiatrists
• Therapists, psychologists, and social workers
• NP and PA students working in mental health
• Medical educators teaching core psychotherapy competencies
• Anyone interested in integrating therapy into time-limited visits
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💬 Discussion Prompt:
Which therapeutic approaches have influenced your work the most? How do you incorporate psychotherapy into short or consult-based appointments? Share your reflections below!
📌 Timestamps (Suggested Layout):
00:00 – Introduction to Psychotherapy in Psychiatry
03:10 – Common Factors Across All Therapies
06:20 – How to Build Therapeutic Alliance
09:45 – Brief Therapy in Medication Appointments
14:10 – CBT vs. Psychodynamic vs. Supportive Therapy
17:30 – Training and Supervision in Residency
20:40 – Final Thoughts from Dr. Sudak
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