Jerzy A. Sobański, Katarzyna Klasa
Distant psychotherapy learning. Leonardo da Vinci - SEPTIMUS programme  89
Summary
The aim of the SEPTIMUS programme (Strenghtening European Psychoterapy through Innovative Methods & Unification of Standards) is the verification of possibilities of psychotherapy learning according to EAP standards via the Internet. Research and training centres participating in cooperation with Sheffield University in the SEPTIMUS programme included the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (Warsaw) and Chair of Psychotherapy of Jagiellonian University (Cracow). A group of individuals in psychotherapy training licensed by Polish Psychiatric Association participated in 30 weeks of SEPTIMUS Internet activities. The participants were expected to read virtual textbook on the programmes' website, to take part in weekly chat sessions and various discussion forums. The advantages and disadvantages of the programme in context of e-communication theory were discussed as well as in relation to specifics of psychotherapy learning. An analysis of questionnaire feedback from participants was applied. In the participants' opinions, the SEPTIMUS programme may be considered to be a new experience bringing many interesting aspects into theoretical learning of psychotherapy.