In-patient and ward psychosomatic psychotherapy: concepts, effectiveness and curative factors

Based on the situation in the Federal Republic of Germany, this article reviews the development, organization and theoretical framework of in-patient and ward psychosomatic psychotherapy. Indications for treating psychosomatic patients in hospital, the effects of treatment and some results on the process of in-patient psychotherapy are summarized. Some of the specific features of in-patient and ward psychotherapy are adopted as components for a theoretical model of in-patient psychotherapy. Our experience with this form of therapy suggests that it can play an important role within the care system, is a fruitful field for training psychotherapists and acts as an excellent model for further research into psychotherapy.