[Know thyself; personal psychotherapy for the psychiatrist in training]

For the Dutch psychiatrist in training 50 sessions of personal psychotherapy are required. The Netherlands are unique in this measure. Currently there is no discussion about this requirement.
AIM: To describe different aspects and arguments of supporters and opponents of the requirement of a personal psychotherapy.
METHOD: Review of the research literature and personal observations.
RESULTS: In the past there has been discussion regarding this requirement. Arguments to support the requirement of a personal psychotherapy as a good base to learn psychotherapy are: 1. the resident experiences what it means to be dependent in a clinical relationship; 2. the resident learns the essential competencies (empathy, reflective functioning, etc.); 3. personal therapy contributes to the deepening of feeling; and 4. personal therapy is a measure against stress and burn-out. Opponents of the requirement of a personal psychotherapy point at the lack of evidence demonstrating its effectiveness on the treatment results of the resident.
CONCLUSION: Personal psychotherapy is often viewed as an 'island' within the training programme, a private spot where everything can be discussed, but which also forms a logical conclusion between supervision and mentoring.