THE PSYCHOTHERAPY COMMITTEES DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING-PROGRAMS IN GROUP AND FAMILY PSYCHOTHERAPY

This article describes the development of the training programmes in g roup and family therapy in Norway. The Psychotherapy Committee of the Norwegian Psychiatric Association organized an initiative taken by som e of its members and established cooperation with the London Institute of Family Therapy and the London Institute of Group Analysis. Block t raining courses have been arranged during weekends in central regions, making it possible for professionals from the mental health field thr oughout the whole country to participate. The Psychotherapy Committee has been responsible for the practical and economic arrangements, and the London Institutes for the professional content. This model made it possible to keep the training programme within the frame of the Norwe gian Medical Association with its standard for training. The group tra ining programme was taken over in 1992 by the Institute of Group Analy sis. The article discusses the implication of opening the training pro gramme to all mental health workers in the field, not just psychologis ts and psychiatrists.