Consultation in psychotherapy

The value of consultation in good medical practice is equally relevant in the practice of psychiatry including psychotherapy. It is one important example of the need for collaboration in medicine, in clinical, educational, and administrative spheres. Excessive protection of the patient's privacy and the psychotherapist's autonomy can lead to lost opportunity for both participants. Appropriate introduction of the opinion of a respected colleague can have facilitating and creative effects upon the psychotherapy. Difficulty in ongoing psychotherapy often occurs when imbalance develops, and consultation can lead to restoration of an appropriate balance. Long-standing respectful professional association between consulting colleagues can make consultation more comfortable and profitable. It is our opinion that increased readiness to seek appropriate consultations in psychotherapy can be of considerable benefit to psychotherapists, to their patients, and to the consultants with whom they share their concerns.