Morgan E. Browning, Elizabeth E. Lloyd-Richardson, Akshay V. Trisal, Victoria G. Kelleher, Mary H. Kayyal, Anna E. Schierberl Scherr
{"title":"Wellbeing Wednesdays: a pilot trial of acceptance and commitment therapy embedded in a freshman seminar","authors":"Morgan E. Browning, Elizabeth E. Lloyd-Richardson, Akshay V. Trisal, Victoria G. Kelleher, Mary H. Kayyal, Anna E. Schierberl Scherr","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000193","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract University students face vast mental health challenges, and both attitudinal and structural barriers to seeking care. Embedding interventions in college courses is one solution. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an ideal candidate intervention given its emphasis on values, context, and skill building from a transdiagnostic perspective. This study embedded a brief ACT intervention in a required freshman seminar that was delivered by trained but unlicensed graduate students. In two class sessions of the freshman seminar taught by the same instructor, one session was randomly assigned to receive the course as usual, and one session received the ACT intervention. ACT content was delivered to all students in the intervention course on five consecutive weekly class periods. Students in both classes who chose to participate in the study completed assessments before and after the intervention and at follow-up. There were no significant changes with tests that were run, including non-parametric tests given the small sample sizes. Descriptively, the intervention group had slight improvements in wellbeing and mindfulness and decreases in distress, and the control group had worsened wellbeing, mindfulness and distress. A moderate portion of intervention group students enjoyed the intervention and indicated use of ACT skills, particularly mindfulness. Results suggest that this classroom-based intervention was feasible and acceptable, but further study should occur given small sample sizes. Future work should continue course-based ACT interventions, and should also explore potential applications of student training to deliver interventions given the shortage of mental health providers on college campuses. Key learning aims (1) Can acceptance and commitment therapy content and skills be integrated into an existing freshman seminar curriculum? (2) Can acceptance and commitment therapy improve wellbeing and decrease distress amongst college students? (3) How will students engage with and practise acceptance and commitment therapy skills outside of the context of session delivery?","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136003950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Predicting therapist adherence to the CRA manual in addiction care","authors":"Anneleen E.M. Kraan, Wiebren Markus, Arnt F.A. Schellekens, Boukje A.G. Dijkstra","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000120","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Although manual-based treatments are widely available in mental health care, they are often not delivered according to protocol. Treatment-, therapist- and organizational-related determinants are known to affect therapist adherence to treatment protocols, and subsequently treatment success. This study examined which determinants are associated with therapist adherence to the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) manual, an evidence-based behavioural treatment programme commonly used in addiction care. Using a cross-sectional design, adherence to the CRA manual and potential contributing determinants were assessed through a self-report survey among therapists ( N = 69) working in out-patient addiction care. Correlation analysis and backward stepwise regression analysis were used to examine which treatment-, therapist- and organizational-related determinants were associated with CRA adherence. Significant associations with self-reported CRA adherence were found for nine out of 16 determinants examined. Three independent determinants explained 43% of the variance in CRA manual adherence, namely compatibility with the working method therapists were used to, perceived outcome expectations, and perceived adoption of CRA procedures by colleagues. These determinants should be considered when implementing CRA in addiction care, for example by investing in training and taking into account therapists’ previous treatment experience. This also accounts for creating positive outcome expectations and the use of descriptive norms by making experiences explicit of therapists and teams that excel. Future research should investigate which other determinants contribute to therapists’ adherence and focus on clarifying causality between determinants and adherence. Key learning aims (1) To understand the importance of treatment, therapist and organizational determinants influencing therapist adherence to the CRA manual. (2) To explain the three determinants that make the largest contribution to self-reported therapists’ adherence to the CRA manual, namely: compatibility with the working method, perceived outcome expectations, and perceived adoption of CRA procedures by colleagues. (3) To reflect on the clinical implications regarding therapist training, implementation of manual-based treatments and future research.","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136259499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapists’ beliefs about excessive reassurance seeking and helping manage it: does experience play a role?","authors":"Brynjar Halldorsson, Paul M. Salkovskis","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000144","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Excessive reassurance seeking (ERS) is believed to play an important role in maintaining mental health problems, in particular anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and health anxiety. Despite this, therapists commonly give into patients’ requests for reassurance in clinical settings and are generally unsure how to handle the issue both in therapy itself and concerning advice to the patient’s loved ones. In order to increase our understanding of therapists’ perception of ERS and how interventions for ERS are managed, we examined therapists’ perception and understanding of ERS, including its function, which emotional problems therapists associate it with, and what treatment interventions they consider important for managing ERS. Qualified therapists ( n =197) were benchmarked against international expert consensus ( n =20) drawn from leading clinical researchers. There was evidence that clinical experience right up to the expert level may result in less reassurance giving within treatment settings. Still, there were enough inconsistencies between the experts and other clinicians to suggest that ERS remains poorly understood and is not consistently dealt with clinically. Results are discussed in terms of how current treatment interventions may be limited for treating ERS, highlighting the need to consider new approaches for dealing with this complicated interpersonal behaviour. Key learning aims (1) To describe the role of excessive reassurance seeking in checking behaviour, including its negative personal and interpersonal consequences. (2) To learn that therapists commonly report finding it difficult to manage reassurance seeking. (3) To learn that therapists’ beliefs about excessive reassurance seeking may play a key role in helping us understand how to tackle this complicated behaviour. (4) To consider what therapeutic interventions may be appropriate and helpful for treating excessive reassurance seeking.","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135441104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alice Kerr, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Hannah Murray, Jennifer Wild, Nick Grey, Catherine Green, David M. Clark, Anke Ehlers
{"title":"Cognitive therapy for PTSD following birth trauma and baby loss: clinical considerations","authors":"Alice Kerr, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Hannah Murray, Jennifer Wild, Nick Grey, Catherine Green, David M. Clark, Anke Ehlers","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000156","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic birth can have a debilitating effect on parents already adapting to significant life changes during the post-partum period. Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) is a highly effective psychological therapy for PTSD which is recommended in the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2018) as a first-line intervention for PTSD. In this paper, we provide guidance on how to deliver CT-PTSD for birth-related trauma and baby loss and how to address common cognitive themes. Key learning aims (1) To recognise and understand the development of PTSD following childbirth and baby loss. (2) To understand how Ehlers and Clark’s (2000) cognitive model of PTSD can be applied to post-partum PTSD. (3) To be able to apply cognitive therapy for PTSD to patients with perinatal PTSD, including traumatic baby loss through miscarriage or birth. (4) To discover common personal meanings associated with birth trauma and baby loss and the steps to update them.","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"88 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135441582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Addressing equality, diversity and inclusion as part of CBT training: a course evaluation study","authors":"Vickie L. Presley","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000235","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract It is widely documented that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities experience poorer mental health, and have a poorer experience of mental health services. Therapists delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in services such as NHS Talking Therapies Services for Anxiety and Depression, are working with increasingly diverse client groups, but treatment access and recovery rates remain below what they should be compared with the White British population. Previous research indicates that CBT therapists may not receive appropriate training that allows them to develop the skills required to work effectively transculturally. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate a CBT training programme within this context, from the perspective of previous course graduates. Thirty participants took part in an online survey with questions requiring both Likert-scaled answers and free-text responses. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and template analysis were used to analyse the data. The results of the survey were favourable overall for both White British and BAME respondents. Positive areas of practice highlighted included peer learning within a diverse cohort, building awareness of own biases, and reflective learning spaces. Areas of development included increased integration of teaching focused on adapting CBT models for minority groups, diversification of teaching staff, and reducing fear and avoidance of exploring issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion. Tentative implications for improving CBT training course delivery in this context have been offered. Key learning aims (1) To acknowledge the challenges faced by service users from BAME communities in accessing equitable mental health treatment, including cognitive behavioural psychotherapy. (2) To consider explanations for why CBT therapists working in NHS services might find it difficult to work effectively transculturally. (3) To establish ways in which CBT training programmes might help therapists to embark more successfully on the journey of developing cultural competence, during training and beyond.","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"258 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135505195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Implementing dialectical behaviour therapy in routine practice: an evaluation of a national CAMHS DBT service for adolescents","authors":"J. Camp, K. Hunt, L.M. Smith","doi":"10.1017/s1754470x23000211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1754470x23000211","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Self-harming behaviours are reported to be increasing amongst young people and are associated with increased risk of suicide. The recently published UK clinical guidelines highlight that cross-sector awareness and early psychosocial assessment of self-harming is necessary, alongside careful triaging as to the level of support required. Dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) is a recommended intervention for young people with more severe difficulties. The current study aims to contribute to the data available to inform ongoing clinical decisions about the feasibility and implementation of DBT-A by reporting the intervention method, participant characteristics, and clinical outcomes of a national (UK) DBT service for young people with high levels of need and risk. Young people who commenced treatment between 2015 and 2021 were included. Completion rates, reasons for non-completion, and discharge pathways are reported. Measurement and changes in outcomes, including self-harm, in-patient bed days, accident and emergency department attendances and education/work status, are reported, as well as for routine outcome measures assessing emotion dysregulation and symptoms of emerging borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety. The clinical significance of these outcomes are considered. Ideas for service evaluation, which are feasible and replicable in busy clinical settings are proposed, as well as a discussion of potential adaptations to standardised protocols needed in this context to fit with National Health Service (NHS) resources and the needs of the target population. Key learning aims (1) To learn about the implementation of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and concurrent outcome monitoring in a UK National Health Service CAMHS out-patient setting. (2) To understand the clinical profile and response to treatment of young people with high levels of suicidal and non-suicidal self-harming behaviours. (3) To present a potential method for outcome monitoring and collection for CAMHS DBT services.","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135059562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Graham R Thew, Alexander Rozental, Heather D Hadjistavropoulos
{"title":"Advances in digital CBT: where are we now, and where next?","authors":"Graham R Thew, Alexander Rozental, Heather D Hadjistavropoulos","doi":"10.1017/S1754470X22000423","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1754470X22000423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital CBT refers to the use of digital tools, platforms or devices to deliver or enhance cognitive behavioural therapy assessment, formulation, treatment, training and supervision. The 'Advances in Digital CBT' special issue aimed to document examples of innovative digital CBT practice in this rapidly developing field. In this paper, we have briefly summarised and synthesised the advances demonstrated in this group of articles. These include developments in our understanding of mental health apps, the use of digital tools as an adjunct to therapy, the effectiveness of remotely delivered CBT in routine clinical practice, our understanding of user experiences and involvement, and in digital CBT research methods. We consider the extent of current knowledge in these areas and identify where gaps in evidence lie and how the field could be taken forward to address these. Lastly, we reflect on the broader digital CBT picture and offer our suggestions of six key directions for future research: using robust study designs to evaluate and optimise digital tools; translating and culturally adapting digital tools and practices; understanding and addressing digital exclusion; exploring, reporting and addressing possible negative effects; improving user involvement in design and evaluation; and addressing the implementation gap for digital tools. We suggest that further advances in these areas would be of particular benefit to the digital CBT field.</p>","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"15 ","pages":"E44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2022-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7613897/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10364163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah Murray, Alice Kerr, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Jennifer Wild, Nick Grey, David M Clark, Anke Ehlers
{"title":"What do others think? The why, when and how of using surveys in CBT.","authors":"Hannah Murray, Alice Kerr, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Jennifer Wild, Nick Grey, David M Clark, Anke Ehlers","doi":"10.1017/S1754470X22000393","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1754470X22000393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Surveys are a powerful technique in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A form of behavioural experiment, surveys can be used to test beliefs, normalise symptoms and experiences, and generate compassionate perspectives. In this article, we discuss why and when to use surveys in CBT interventions for a range of psychological disorders. We also present a step-by-step guide to collaboratively designing surveys with patients, selecting the appropriate recipients, sending out surveys, discussing responses and using key learning as a part of therapy. In doing so, we hope to demonstrate that surveys are a flexible, impactful, time-efficient, individualised technique which can be readily and effectively integrated into CBT interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"15 ","pages":"e42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2022-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7613932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10797873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah Murray, Nick Grey, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Alice Kerr, Jennifer Wild, David M Clark, Anke Ehlers
{"title":"Ten misconceptions about trauma-focused CBT for PTSD.","authors":"Hannah Murray, Nick Grey, Emma Warnock-Parkes, Alice Kerr, Jennifer Wild, David M Clark, Anke Ehlers","doi":"10.1017/S1754470X22000307","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1754470X22000307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Therapist cognitions about trauma-focused psychological therapies can affect our implementation of evidence-based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially reducing their effectiveness. Based on observations gleaned from teaching and supervising one of these treatments, cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), ten common 'misconceptions' were identified. These included misconceptions about the suitability of the treatment for some types of trauma and/or emotions, the need for stabilisation prior to memory work, the danger of 'retraumatising' patients with memory-focused work, the risks of using memory-focused techniques with patients who dissociate, the remote use of trauma-focused techniques, and the perception of trauma-focused CBT as inflexible. In this article, these misconceptions are analysed in light of existing evidence and guidance is provided on using trauma-focused CT-PTSD with a broad range of presentations.</p>","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"15 ","pages":"s1754470x22000307"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2022-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7613703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9218800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emma Warnock-Parkes, Jennifer Wild, Graham Thew, Alice Kerr, Nick Grey, David M Clark
{"title":"'I'm unlikeable, boring, weird, foolish, inferior, inadequate': how to address the persistent negative self-evaluations that are central to social anxiety disorder with cognitive therapy.","authors":"Emma Warnock-Parkes, Jennifer Wild, Graham Thew, Alice Kerr, Nick Grey, David M Clark","doi":"10.1017/S1754470X22000496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X22000496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a range of negative thoughts and beliefs about how they think they come across to others. These include specific fears about doing or saying something that will be judged negatively (e.g. 'I'll babble', 'I'll have nothing to say', 'I'll blush', 'I'll sweat', 'I'll shake', etc.) and more persistent negative self-evaluative beliefs such as 'I am unlikeable', 'I am foolish', 'I am inadequate', 'I am inferior', 'I am weird/different' and 'I am boring'. Some therapists may take the presence of such persistent negative self-evaluations as being a separate problem of 'low self-esteem', rather than seeing them as a core feature of SAD. This may lead to a delay in addressing the persistent negative self-evaluations until the last stages of treatment, as might be typically done in cognitive therapy for depression. It might also prompt therapist drift from the core interventions of NICE recommended cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder (CT-SAD). Therapists may be tempted to devote considerable time to interventions for 'low self-esteem'. Our experience from almost 30 years of treating SAD within the framework of the Clark and Wells (1995) model is that when these digressions are at the cost of core CT-SAD techniques, they have limited value. This article clarifies the role of persistent negative self-evaluations in SAD and shows how these beliefs can be more helpfully addressed from the start, and throughout the course of CT-SAD, using a range of experiential techniques.</p><p><strong>Key learning aims: </strong>To recognise persistent negative self-evaluations as a key feature of SAD.To understand that persistent negative self-evaluations are central in the Clark and Wells (1995) cognitive model and how to formulate these as part of SAD.To be able to use all the experiential interventions in cognitive therapy for SAD to address these beliefs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45163,"journal":{"name":"Cognitive Behaviour Therapist","volume":"15 ","pages":"e56"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9884534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10871196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}