Bespoke Members
Introduction
Cognitive biases such as such as ‘jumping to conclusions’ and the inability to use disconfirmatory evidence to update our beliefs have been shown to be key factors in the development and maintenance of delusions in psychosis. Metacognitive Training for psychosis (MCT- Moritz & Woodward, 2007) is a structured, CBT based, group intervention targeting the cognitive biases associated with delusions. It was developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Hamburg. MCT sessions involve discussions and experiential activities to help individuals with delusions recognize how cognitive biases impact their daily lives. The exercises done in session do not focus on their individual beliefs, but rather allow for this increased awareness using more fun, playful activities mixed with general discussions about interpersonal interactions and the role of anxiety, stress paranoia etc. MCT has been validated in a number of randomized control trials, and meta-analyses, and is now used in routine clinical practice in a number of countries. The materials used in the group have been adapted for different cultural contexts. MCT can also be adapted for use in an individual therapy format. This workshop will help clinicians understand the role of the cognitive biases that create and sustain delusions, and ways to explore these with clients in a non-threatening format.
The event will be equivalent to 5.1/2hrs of CPD.
Content
Topics we’ll cover in the workshop
• Understanding cognitive biases associated with delusions
• The development and application of MCT
• The evidence base for MCT
• Integrating CBT techniques into MCT
• Running the MCT groups
Learning Objectives
By the end of the workshop, we hope that you will-
• Have a better understanding of the cognitive biases associated with delusions
• Know how to run the MCT groups
• Be better able to engage with your clients in discussing delusions
Training Modalities
Didactic content, reviews of the exercises presented in MCT and Q&A.
Key References
Moritz S, Woodward TS. (2007). Metacognitive training in schizophrenia : from basic research to knowledge translation and intervention. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 20, 619–625.
Moritz S, Veckenstedt R, Andreou C, Bohn F et al. (2014). Sustained and “sleeper” effects of group Metacognitive Training for schizophrenia. JAMA Psychiatry, 71 (10), 1103-1111.
Meinhart A, Suave G, Schmeuser A, et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156.
Penney D, Suave G, Mendelson D, et al. (2022). Immediate and Sustained Outcomes and Moderators Associated With Metacognitive Training for Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 79 (5), 417-429.
Eichner C, Berna F. (2016) Acceptance and efficacy of Metacognitive Training (MCT) on positive symptoms and delusions in patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis taking into account important moderators
Lysaker PH, Gagen E, Moritz S, Schweitzer RD. (2018). Metacognitive approaches to the treatment of psychosis: a comparison of four approaches. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 11, 341-351.
Menon M, Balzan RP, Harper K, et al. (2017). Psychosocial approaches in the treatment of psychosis: Cognitive behavior therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and metacognitive training (MCT). Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses, 11(3), 156-163.
About the presenter
Dr Mahesh Menon is a Clinical Professor and Head of the Schizophrenia Program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver Canada. He runs the Psychosocial Interventions for Functional Improvement (PSI-FI) Lab at UBC, as well as the implementation of MCT and cognitive remediation across BC. Dr Menon has been closely involved with the development of MCT with Profs Steffen Moritz and Todd Woodward over nearly 20 years, and has been training clinicians on MCT in Canada and internationally. His clinical and research interests focus on understanding delusions, and in psychotherapy for psychosis and severe mental illness. He has published over 80 peer reviewed papers and book chapters, and his work has been supported by a number of research grants from agencies including the Brain and Behaviour Foundation, the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and the Schizophrenia Societies of Ontario & British Columbia.
Who should attend
The workshop is most suitable for clinicians with some prior experience of psychosis who are interested in groups and individual therapy for clients with psychosis- including psychologists, counsellors, occupational therapists and other related professions.