F. A. M. Kortmann: Tensions between psychotherapy and sociotherapy
The treatment ward of a psychiatric hospital can be conceived as 'a system', that should offer patients the opportunity to pursue their aim, i.e. to get well. To reach that goal a certain security and pressure level are needed.
Both nursing staff and psychotherapists unremittingly have to make a very difficult choice which position to take with regard to that security and pressure level required.
Psychotherapists, according to Rapoport, are more inclined to a permissive attitude. Sociotherapists or nursing staff are more apt to take up an attitude of reality confrontation. Sometimes this leads to tension within the team.
When such a tension is felt, both disciplines should try to formulate a collective point of view with regard to the most optimal level of pressure and the security for the patient or the group. If a joint position has been defined both disciplines should try to realize this optimal climate, each using their own specific expertise.