I am a strong advocate of the provision of training in psychotherapy to all psychiatrists. In my view this should comprise the enhancement of interviewing skills, development of counselling skills, understanding of and experience in the use of a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques. Among these I would include supportive psychotherapy, short-term psychotherapy, crisis intervention and grief counselling. The trainee should acquire some theoretical understanding of and experience in the use of behavioural methods of treatment, of social skills training and of group processes.