Attitudes towards CBT in trainee clinical psychologists

Laura Jane Hancox,Danielle De Boos,David M Gresswell

doi:10.1108/jmhtep-01-2020-0001

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to address how one Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programme contributes to the shaping of attitudes of its trainee clinical psychologists (TCPs) towards cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).Design/methodology/approachA total of 28 TCPs completed an online, mixed-methods questionnaire relating to their attitudes towards CBT, what factors had influenced their attitude and how competent they felt in applying CBT to clinical practice.FindingsThe majority of respondents reported a positive attitude towards CBT. There was a statistically significant positive change at an individual level in TCPs’ views of CBT between the point at which they applied for the DClinPsy and the present day. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified influential factors on the development of TCP attitudes towards CBT. The vast majority of TCPs reported that they felt competent applying CBT in their clinical practice.Research limitations/implicationsOverall, the DClinPsy has a positive effect on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. However, the influence of placements has a more mixed effect on attitudes. A small sample size reduced the reliability of these conclusions. Recommendations for further evaluation have been made.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates the effect of a DClinPsy programme on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. The value is that it establishes which components of the course have different effects on trainee attitudes.

Highlights

Introduction ng Cognitive BehaviouralTherapy (CBT)BT is an “active, directive, time-limited, structured approach” that can be applied to a variety of psychological difficulties and psychiatric diagnoses (Beck et al, 1979, p. 3)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) should be tailored to the individual, it has core underlying principles that apply across cases and presentations
Critiques have been made regarding the way CBT is delivered; for example, CBT is said to be frequently delivered by recent psychology graduates with minimal experience working within mental health services (Binnie & Spada, 2018)

Summary

Introduction

Introduction ng Cognitive BehaviouralTherapy (CBT)BT is an “active, directive, time-limited, structured approach” that can be applied to a variety of psychological difficulties and psychiatric diagnoses (Beck et al, 1979, p. 3). Therapy (CBT)BT is an “active, directive, time-limited, structured approach” that can be applied to a variety of psychological difficulties and psychiatric diagnoses The key theoretical assumption of CBT is that it is not events themselves, but the way an individual perceives and structures those events in their mind that determines their emotional and behavioural response (Beck et al, 1979). CBT uses a plethora of techniques to change cognitions, behaviour, and mood (Beck, 2011). Na tio ca CBT currently has the strongest evidence base of all psychotherapies and is the most widely studied form of psychotherapy, shown to be efficacious in treating a variety of psychological difficulties (David et al, 2018; Hofmann et al, 2012). It is worth noting that critiques come from multiple sources; academics (Wheelahan, 2009), therapy practitioners (Dalal, 2019), and, most importantly, from recipients of the treatment (Wood et al, 2016)

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Discussion

Conclusion