South African Counsellors' Attitudes Towards Cognitive Behavioural Techniques to Ameliorate Trauma: Effects of a Training Workshop

Abstract

Despite its successes in the United States and Europe, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has a short history in South Africa. Local cultural realities and social conditions have been cited as obstacles to the implementation of CBT at community health centres. Yet, CBT's successes in ameliorating a variety of psychological conditions, including symptoms of PTSD, necessitate examination of its relevance and applicability in South African communities. The present study reports on counsellors' attitudes and opinions to CBT for the treatment of psychological trauma. We presented a two-day workshop on CBT and assessed counsellors' opinions and attitudes prior to and following the workshop. Results are discussed in the context of the high rate of traumatic events that occur in South African communities.