THE VALUE OF SELF-PRACTICE OF COGNITIVE THERAPY TECHNIQUES AND SELF-REFLECTION IN THE TRAINING OF COGNITIVE THERAPISTS

Abstract

Recent publications have suggested that practising cognitive therapy (CT) techniques on oneself may be valuable in the development of cognitive therapists' clinical skills. The present study asks: Is this useful? If so, in what ways? We report a qualitative study of the experience of trainees undertaking a CT training course, which included an explicit self-practice (SP) and self-reflection (SR) component. Key features of the learning process were: (i) experiencing cognitive techniques from the client's perspective, and (ii) reflecting on this experience that led to (iii) a “deeper sense of knowing” of CT practices. The primary learning outcome was an enhancement of therapeutic understandings, which trainees reported to be both professionally and personally useful. Professionally, they reported deeper understanding of the therapist's role, the cognitive model and change processes. Personally, SP/SR led to greater understanding of themselves, and to the perception of CT as a useful tool for personal change. The data also suggested two other positive learning outcomes: an enhancement of therapist skills and therapist self-concept. We conclude that SP/SR may be a valuable component in CT training. Guidelines and recommendations for inclusion of SP/SR in training courses are discussed.