Keeping metaphor in mind: training therapists in metaphor-enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Mathieson ◽  
Jennifer Jordan ◽  
James Bennett-Levy ◽  
Maria Stubbe

AbstractOver the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the use of metaphor in cognitive behaviour therapy. However, to date, there has been only very limited research on the use of metaphor in CBT sessions, and no studies which have examined how to train therapists in this skill. The present study is the first in the literature to explore how we might train therapists in metaphor-enhanced CBT. Twelve therapists attended two half-day training workshops, 2 weeks apart. Details of the content of the training workshop are provided. The therapists rated the workshop quality and provided structured self-report ratings and reflections on their ongoing application of learning over a 3-month period which were compared with pre-training ratings. Therapists reported significantly increased awareness of metaphors, with increased confidence in responding intentionally to client metaphors and bringing them into shared conceptualizations. In addition, there were significant increases in reported time spent elaborating on client metaphors, and use of metaphors when conceptualizing with clients. Barriers and solutions to application of learning are discussed.

1989 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. G. Power ◽  
D. W. A. Jerrom ◽  
R. J. Simpson ◽  
M. J. Mitchell ◽  
V. Swanson

Generalized anxiety patients were randomly allocated to Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Diazepam or Placebo and managed in a primary care setting. Treatments were balanced for degree of psychologist/patient contact. A range of outcome measures, including patient self report, psychologist assessor and general practitioner ratings were used. Large variations within group response to treatment emerged. At the end of active treatment the superiority of Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy was suggested. Post-study psychotropic prescription and psychological treatment was assessed at a 12-month follow-up. The Cognitive-Behaviour group revealed the lowest incidence of subsequent treatment interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Perich ◽  
Philip B. Mitchell ◽  
Tanya Meade

Abstract Objective Anxiety is prominent for many people living with bipolar disorder, yet the benefit of psychological interventions in treating this co-morbidity has been minimally explored and few studies have been conducted in a group format. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) for people living with bipolar disorder. Methods Participants were recruited to take part in a 9-week group therapy programme designed to treat anxiety in bipolar disorder using cognitive behaviour therapy. They were assessed by structured interview (SCID-5 RV) to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and assessed for anxiety disorders. Self-report questionnaires—DASS (depression, anxiety, stress), ASRM (mania), STAI (state and trait anxiety) and Brief QOL.BD (quality of life) pre- and post-treatment were administered. Results Fourteen participants enrolled in the programme, with 10 participants (5 male; 5 female) completing the follow-up assessments. Two groups (one during working hours, the other outside working hours) were conducted. The programme appeared acceptable and feasible with a mean of 6.9 (77%) sessions attended, though five (50%) participants completed less than 3 weeks homework. Conclusion The transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) proved feasible and acceptable for participants; however, homework compliance was poor. A larger randomised pilot study is needed to assess the benefits of the intervention on symptom measures and address homework adherence, possibly through providing support between sessions or tailoring it more specifically to participant needs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-213
Author(s):  
Fiona Mathieson ◽  
Jennifer Jordan ◽  
Maria Stubbe

Abstract Metaphors are common in psychotherapy. The last decade has seen increasing interest in the use of metaphor in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), with attention to client metaphors being asserted as a way of enhancing CBT. However, prior to this current research there was very little research on the use of metaphor in CBT sessions, and no studies have examined how to train therapists in this skill. This article discusses four studies that provide a preliminary empirical basis for the exploration of metaphors in CBT. The first study evaluated the reliability and utility of an approach to metaphor identification. The second study explored how clients and therapists co-construct metaphors, contributing to development of a shared language in early therapy sessions and identified a range of responses to each other’s metaphors. The third study explored the effect of training CBT therapists to intentionally bring client metaphors into case conceptualisations in terms of building therapeutic alliance and collaboration, along with an exploration of preference for metaphoric language. The fourth study explored the impact of the metaphor training on therapist confidence, awareness and use of metaphors, based on therapist self-report ratings and reflections on their ongoing application of learning over a three month period. These findings suggest that it is possibly to conduct empirical research on metaphor in CBT, with metaphor having potential as an important therapy process1 variable.


2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Stallard ◽  
Thomas Richardson ◽  
Sophie Velleman

Background: Research has begun to examine the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) with children and adolescents. Although cCBT appears promising, the attitudes of clinicians towards this type of intervention with children and young people have not been assessed, yet these are important in determining when and if cCBT will be offered. Aims: To survey clinicians’ attitudes towards cCBT with children and adolescents. Method: A self-report questionnaire was completed by 43 mental health professionals attending a conference. Results: Clinicians were cautious but generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents, particularly for the delivery of prevention programmes and in the treatment of mild/moderate problems. Few felt that cCBT should be available freely online without any professional support. Indeed, the lack of a therapeutic relationship and professional support were identified as the biggest problems, whilst the potential to use cCBT at home was the greatest advantage identified. Conclusions: This survey suggests that clinicians are generally positive about the use of cCBT with children and adolescents for the prevention and treatment of mild/moderate problems. Further research is required to address clinicians’ concerns about the effectiveness of cCBT for more substantial problems and the level of therapeutic support required.


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