scholarly journals Behavioural Activation Therapy: Philosophy, Concepts, and Techniques

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrod S. Turner ◽  
David J. Leach

Behavioural Activation (BA) therapy is a stand-alone evidence-based treatment for depression and also is being applied to anxiety with promising outcomes. Essentially, BA involves structured therapy aimed at increasing the amount of activity in a person's daily life, so that he or she comes into contact with sources of positive reinforcement for clinically healthy behaviours. Originally, contemporary BA was developed as a behaviour therapy treatment condition in a study that compared BA to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Over time, many variants of BA have appeared in the published literature, which included techniques that might be viewed as being incompatible with the original intended treatment model and more similar to generic forms of CBT. The purpose of this article is to provide researchers and practitioners with a description of what we consider to be the distinctive and essential elements of BA therapy.

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Huisman ◽  
Maria Kangas

Objective: In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), case formulation (CF) is an integral process in ensuring clinicians’ work is grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP). The objective of this study was to evaluate psychologists’ perceptions and self-reported applications of CBT-CF, and whether these differed according to clinician experience, training, and professional accreditation. Method: A scale was developed to assess CF beliefs and applications by clinicians who had been practising CBT for a minimum of 6 months. The development of scale items was based on two CBT-CF conceptual models. Seventy-nine psychologists registered in Australia took part in this online survey. Results: Psychologists’ beliefs pertaining to CBT CF supported a three-factor model. On average, psychologists perceived all activities related to CF at least moderately important, and were implemented at least some of the time. However, activities related to use of external evidence were rated as less important, and less frequently implemented. Clinical psychologists endorsed theory and EBP in structuring CF as more important, which also translated into self-reported practice of CF CBT implementation relative to generalist psychologists. Conclusions: The findings indicate some gaps in the knowledge and application of CF CBT in clinical practice and has implications in strengthening clinician training in CF CBT.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dion Alperstein ◽  
Jan Copeland

Background: While there is considerable evidence that brief motivational and skills-based interventions for substance use are effective, little is known regarding the transfer of knowledge from research to practice. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two half-day didactic clinical training workshops for allied health workers, which did not incorporate feedback or supervision, via independent follow-up three months post training.Methods: In total, 1322 participants attended either or both of the evidence-based treatment workshops run by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre. Of those participants, 495 (37%) completed an online follow-up evaluation three months later regarding their use of the newly learnt intervention(s).Results: At follow-up, 270 (54.5%) participants had an opportunity to use the skills and 144 (53.3%) of those participants reported having used the clinical skills taught in the workshop. Of those who used one of the interventions, 90 (62.5%) participants reported their clients had reduced or quit their cannabis use. Furthermore, 43 (30%) of these participants had attempted to train others in the workplace in the techniques learnt in the workshop.Conclusion: Even a half-day didactic clinical training workshop on evidence-based brief cognitive–behavioural techniques delivered to clinicians working in the field can improve knowledge and confidence among clinicians and outcomes among their clients with cannabis use related problems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaby Resmark ◽  
Brigid Kennedy ◽  
Maria Mayer ◽  
Katrin Giel ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
...  

Standardised treatment manuals facilitate therapy planning and enhance comparability for research purposes. Within the Anorexia Nervosa Treatment of Out Patients (ANTOP) study, the largest multisite outpatient intervention trial in anorexia nervosa (AN) to date, manualised enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E) was offered as one treatment modality. The manual consisted of 9 modules, of which Motivation, Nutrition, Formulation and Relapse Prevention were compulsory. Homework worksheets were provided, to ensure the transfer of therapeutic improvements to daily life. This study investigated the use of modules and worksheets in order to explore practice styles of trained therapists in the treatment of AN. This secondary analysis was based on log-sheets (n = 2604) CBT-E therapists completed after each session. Frequencies of modules and worksheets used across all sessions were calculated. Relationships, such as that between use of module and duration of illness, were examined. The most commonly used module was Motivation. In patients with longer illness duration, the module Self Esteem seemed to be particularly important. The worksheet Scales, balancing the pros and cons of AN, was prioritised by therapists. The results underline the importance of motivational work in the treatment of AN, including validating the ambivalence experienced by most AN patients. With increasing duration of illness, resource-oriented elements, such as self esteem stabilisation, should be of focus.


Author(s):  
Janet D. Feigenbaum

The complex relationship between mental health and employment is transactional and unique to each individual. Thus the decision to commence (or return) to employment for this population requires an individualized formulation emphasizing the dialectical tension between the benefits of employment and stressors in the workplace. In addition, unemployment is associated with a number of social exclusion risks which may impact upon an individual’s mental health. Vocational functioning in those with personality disorder (PD) is more compromised than social functioning and does not improve in direct association with change in mental health symptoms. Obtaining and retaining employment requires the ability to manage workplace emotions, behaviour, and relationships. Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that addresses these key areas of dysfunction—adaptations for employment include DBT-W, DBT-ACES, and DBT-SE, each with their own focus. Feasibility studies have shown these adaptations are acceptable to and may be effective for participants.


Author(s):  
Marianna de Abreu Costa ◽  
David H. Rosmarin

There is growing recognition that it is important to understand how spirituality is related to mental health and distress, and how it can be integrated into psychotherapy. Spiritually integrated psychotherapy (SIP) involves the adaptation of secular psychotherapies in order to be more culturally sensitive and client-centred to spiritually and religiously inclined clients. Literature shows that SIPs are at least as effective as conventional psychotherapy for treating different mental disorders, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely investigated clinical modality that has been adapted to include spiritual content. The objective of this chapter is to describe the adaptation of traditional CBT techniques by integrating spirituality to enhance cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, coping, psychoeducation, and to facilitate greater motivation for treatment. Several practical examples are given, including the use of meditation and prayer in the treatment process.


Author(s):  
David Semple ◽  
Roger Smyth

This chapter covers the psychotherapies, a collection of treatments for mental disorders which employ language and communication as a means of producing change. It covers assessment and selection of an appropriate method for the individual patient, a history of Freud and other pioneers of psychotherapy to provide a background context, before examining different types of therapy. Briefly explaining the theory of psychotherapy, the phases of psychosexual development, and the object relations theory, it goes into detail on behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and solution therapy. Counselling methods are described to aid the reader in developing their skills.


2019 ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
Navneet Kapur ◽  
Robert Goldney

This chapter discusses psychological and non-pharmacological interventions for suicidal behaviour in more detail. All people who present with suicidal thoughts and behaviour warrant some treatment, but the nature and intensity of this will depend on individual needs. Psychological treatments may include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy. Dialectical behaviour therapy is specifically designed for those with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Broader non-pharmacological approaches such as crisis centres, volunteer organizations, brief-contact interventions, and safety plans may be promising but require further research. Common therapeutic elements include a non-judgemental approach, empathy, respect, warmth, and genuineness.


2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Alderman ◽  
Caroline Knight ◽  
Jennifer Brooks

Symptoms of neurobehavioural disability acquired through brain injury, especially aggression, are associated with severe social handicap. Differences in terminology have resulted in varying estimates, but aggressive behaviour disorder appears to be characteristic of survivors at some point in their recovery journey. This paper provides a brief review regarding the prevalence, development and causes of aggression associated with acquired brain injury (ABI), and what can be done to help manage them. The advantages of using standardised measures conceptualised for ABI in the assessment and formulation of aggressive behaviour disorders are especially highlighted. A range of treatment methods and the evidence base relating to these are described. The contribution of pharmacological therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy and behavioural interventions are explored. It is argued that the strongest evidence base is associated with behaviour therapy, especially when carried out in the context of neurobehavioural rehabilitation, and two case studies are described to illustrate the clinical advantages of interventions derived from operant theory. Comparative lack of ABI experts trained in the management of post-acute behaviour disorders remains a limiting factor.


Author(s):  
Paul M. Salkovskis ◽  
Joan Kirk

Chapter 8 explores obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It first outlines the nature of OCD, its prevalence, the development of current treatments, the behavioural theory of OCD and behaviour therapy in practice, deficit theories and cognitive factors, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for OCD, experimental studies of normal intrusive thoughts, distorted thinking and negative appraisals, treatment implications of the cognitive behavioural theory, and strategies in the treatment of OCD.


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