THE TECHNIQUES OF THE INITIAL INTERVIEW AND METHODS OF TEACHING THEM
FLORENCE POWDERMAKER PH. D., M. D.1
1 Chief, Psychiatric Education Section, Neuropsychiatry Division, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
The development of methods of conducting the initial interview are of strategic importance in the treatment of the patient. This includes the effect of the reactions of the doctor on his techniques and on the patient.
The teaching of these factors by the seminar method is illustrated as a way of allowing students to discover and receive help for their particular needs and weaknesses, to arrive at their own conclusions, and thus to further their development. This is best accomplished through a cooperative group spirit in which the leader and students investigate problems together as colleagues. This makes for frankness and prevents defensiveness.
Since teaching is concerned with interpersonal relationships and not only with the dissemination of facts and experiences, it is capable of, and needs, further exploration of methods. This could perhaps be preceded by a searching criticism of the effectiveness of present-day practices. Observations and statements of students would indicate that there are apparently not enough "born" teachers to go around.
