Intensive Short Term Psychodynamic Therapy (ISTDP) has demonstrated promising evidence for the treatment of several Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) including dissociative seizures. However, its implementation in secondary mental health and specialist services within the English National Health Service (NHS) is scarce. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the estimates of the therapeutic effects of a 3-session course of this treatment as well as establish safety and acceptability for a complex patient group. Method: The study followed a mixed methods case series design and recruited 18 patients from secondary adult mental health care and specialist neurology services. Participants completed self-report outcome measures at the start, at the end and 1-month following the completion of therapy. Three open ended questions examined their therapy experiences qualitatively and these were analysed through thematic analysis. Results: All participants who started the treatment (N=17) completed the intervention and attendance rates were very high (95%). No serious adverse effects were observed, and the CORE-OM and BSI showed improvements both at the end of the treatment and at follow-up. Healthcare utilisation was also reduced including acute medications, A&E attendances, and crisis line usage. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary support for the safe use of ISTDP in this complex group of participants but further evidence from controlled and randomized studies is warranted.

Voice-hearing occurs in clinical and non-clinical samples, and the role of spiritual and cultural frameworks of understanding for percipients has received increased attention. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing qualitative literature relating to positive aspects of voice-hearing experiences, and to make recommendations based on these findings for clinical practice and future research. Qualitative papers that included positive aspects of voice-hearing were identified by undertaking a systematic search of six electronic databases, resulting in 22 papers. The quality of each paper was assessed and the meta-ethnographic approach was used to extract and synthesise the data. Six themes were identified relating to voices providing safety and protection, guidance, creating psychological and emotional wellbeing, providing companionship, facilitating personal growth and development, and connecting hearers to religious or spiritual belief systems. The findings suggest positive aspects of voice-hearing that may have clinical and research implications.

Purpose: Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for several mental health difficulties. However, its implementation in secondary mental health services in the National Health Service (NHS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to bridge the gap between controlled trials and practice-based evidence, by exploring an initial estimate of the therapeutic effects of this intervention in a secondary care NHS community mental health setting. Method: The study followed a quantitative case series design. Eight clients with complex, enduring mental health difficulties, supported by a community secondary mental health service received a course of STPP. They completed outcome measures at the start, at the end and eight-weeks following completion of therapy. Results: All participants but one completed the therapy and attendance rates were high (>75%). No adverse effects were reported. All participants but two reported improvement in the CORE-OM, BSI and the PHQ-9 and these were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions:The results suggested that STPP was a safe and acceptable intervention, that may have contributed to clinical and reliable improvement for 4 participants, non-reliable improvement for 2 and non-reliable deterioration for one participant who finished the treatment.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a novel service for the non-offending partners (NOPs) of men who have sexually offended against children. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines the rationale for the current service and the preliminary qualitative data that reflect how NOPs experience the group innovations. Findings Interviews and previous qualitative analyses demonstrate both the positive changes that the NOP programme supports regarding child protections skills and the value that NOPs perceive in incorporating male therapists and male offenders into the process. Research limitations/implications Given these recent changes to the NOP group, and the small group sizes, the ability to examine how the NOPs perceive these innovations, the personal impact they have on change in NOPs, and more importantly, the impact on recidivism and reduction of further harm to children are yet to be fully investigated and these are central questions for the service to ensure that it offers a valid and reliable intervention programme and limits the extent to which the programme can be generalised. Further research will plug this gap. Practical implications The service offers new challenges for NOPs with the aim of making them better understand offending against children, their role in protecting children, and ultimately the protection of children in general. This may act as a model for the development of future services for these individuals. Originality/value There are few programmes aimed at providing support and intervention for an often marginalised group of individuals, the female NOPs of men who have sexually offended against children. This programme includes new approaches to working with the women providing them with new sources of support and insight.

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