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IntroducionThe cost of prescriptions for minor tranquillizers, antidepressants and hypnotic drugs has risen dramatically over the past decade. This preliminary report describes a study in progress where counselling facilities are made available in the general practice setting to a random sample of patients consulting their doctor for minor psychological disturbance. The acceptability of counselling and its effect on psychotropic drug prescribing and GP consultation rate will be used as indicators of the effectiveness of the counselling provided. A more flexible approach to counselling, suited to the work-load and time constraints of the primary care setting, is being explored.

SYNOPSIS Most of the trainee psychotherapists providing treatment within the National Health Service setting are psychiatrists in training. The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that supervised experience in psychotherapy should be gained by all trainees during their general professional training in preparation for the Membership examination. Short‐term dynamic psychotherapy is commonly offered as an economical treatment approach for psychiatric patients within the public sector provision. The conflict between attitudes rewarded in medical training and the qualities needed for the practice of psychotherapy creates problems for the trainees which emerge in supervision. Experience of supervising beginning therapists, the privileges and the problems, and countertransference issues are discussed. A framework for supervision is outlined.