Overview to The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Abstract

Abstract This volume presents a comprehensive guide to the cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) model. Throughout the volume, there is a balance of established theory and practice alongside a focus on innovation in both direct work with clients and the application of CAT more broadly within teams, organizations, and training, and as a model for leadership. The handbook includes a range of innovations in ‘doing’ and ‘using’ CAT, which are directly applicable for those studying and working in health, social care, and private services, across many specialties encompassing the entire lifespan. This includes: child and adolescent services; working age through to older adults; individuals engaged with mental health services and within forensic and prison populations; and those experiencing physical health and neurological difficulties, both in community and inpatient settings. Given the social and dialogic origins of CAT, this volume acknowledges the importance of wider social, cultural, and political factors that can shape an individual’s understanding of self and other; there are chapters that both apply a CAT understanding to key issues such as racism and social context, and provide a critique to the extent in which CAT engages with these issues in practice. This volume also has a focus on professional standards and governance (encompassing training, supervision, and a competency framework). Throughout the book the editors have endeavoured to include clients’ voices in various different ways, including personal reflections, extracts from actual CATs, and co-produced chapters, to ensure the book holds true to the collaborative nature of CAT.