Training In CBT & Other Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies
Introduction
The workshop will provide an overview of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp). Specifically, the application of CBT to the symptoms of auditory hallucinations and delusions will be addressed. Topics such as engaging and assessing patients who present with psychosis; developing collaborative CBTp formulations; and applying appropriate CBT techniques will be covered.
The event will be equivalent to 2.3/4 hrs of CPD.
Content
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is an adaptation of standard CBT, informed by research into the psychological mechanisms underpinning psychotic symptoms, and tailored to accommodate the difficulties of people with psychosis. Cognitive models highlight that it is not unusual experiences themselves which are problematic, but their appraisal as external, personally significant and threatening. Maladaptive coping and safety behaviours also maintain distress and disability. CBTp aims to break these vicious cycles by helping people to understand their psychotic experiences, promote coping and self-regulation, and counter negative appraisals of self and difficulties.
CBTp includes a combination of elements and therapeutic activities and requires a very explicit focus on engagement, with a trusting relationship being a crucial foundation. The specific model used depends on what the primary difficulties are (e.g., delusions, voices, emotional difficulties). Each model emphasises the important role of appraisals of, and responses to, particular experiences, as well as a person’s previous experiences and their beliefs about themselves, the world, and others.
Successful implementation of CBTp involves both skilful application of therapy techniques and adherence to the underlying values and principles of offering hope and a recovery-oriented perspective; listening to and collaborating with the service user; and validating and supporting the ‘making sense’ process of the service user’s experiences.
Learning Objectives
• To develop knowledge and confidence in conducting a CBTp assessment
• To gain an understanding of formulations for individuals with psychosis
• To learn CBTp skills and techniques for changing delusions and voices
Training Modalities
The workshop will include: didactic content, stories from an individual with lived experience of CBTp, Q&A, live role play and video content.
Key References
Brabban, A., Byrne, R., Longden, E., & Morrison, A. P. (2017). The importance of human relationships, ethics and recovery-orientated values in the delivery of CBT for people with psychosis. Psychosis, 9(2), 157-166.
Garety, P. A., & Hardy, A. (2017). The clinical relevance of appraisals of psychotic experiences. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 140-141.
Johns, L., Jolley, S., Keen, N. & Peters, E.R. (2013) CBT for people with psychosis. In A. Whittington & N. Grey (Eds) The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist: From Theory to Clinical Practice (Wiley) ) (‘How to’ chapter)
Kelly R., Cohen A. & Peters E. (2018) Psychosis. In S Moorey and A. Lavender (Eds) The Therapeutic Relationship in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Sage (How to develop and maintain a good therapeutic relationship in CBTp)
Morrison A, P. (2017). A manualised treatment protocol to guide delivery of evidence-based cognitive therapy for people with distressing psychosis: learning from clinical trials. Psychosis, 9, 1-11.
About the presenter
Dr Harriet Mellotte is a Senior Clinical Psychologist currently working in the Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients with Psychosis (PICuP) in South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. She has over 10 years experience working in psychosis in both community and in-patient settings delivering CBTp. She has completed a post graduate diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy and is a qualified EMDR practitioner. Harriet specialises in working with individuals with complex mental health difficulties who have experienced trauma and psychosis.
Harriet was recently a therapist on the STAR trial which is a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of trauma focused CBTp for people experiencing PTSD and co-morbid psychosis at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. She previously worked for the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service which provided psychological support to people affected by Grenfell Tower fire.
Harriet has provided teaching and supervision for a range of professionals including trainee and qualified psychologists, and professionals from other disciplines undertaking specialist training in CBTp.
Who should attend
This workshop is suitable for delegates who are already familiar with basic CBT principles and techniques.