An internet survey of psychiatrists who have a particular interest in cognitive behavioural therapy: what is the place for the cognitive behavioural model in their role as a psychiatrist?

Abstract

A survey of psychiatrists with a special interest in CBT was conducted by email correspondence to answer two main questions: ‘What are the uses and the usefulness of the cognitive behavioural model within the day-to-day practice of psychiatrists?’ and ‘What are the most important roles of the consultant medical psychotherapist who has specialized in CBT?’ Despite the constraints of a low response rate the results still reflected the views of 46 psychiatrists who were particularly experienced in the area of CBT. They reported that the cognitive behavioural model was useful in general psychiatric settings, in particular in the engagement of patients, improving client's insight, adherence to medications, and for trainee supervision. The responders reaffirmed previously held views about the role of the consultant medical psychotherapist (CBT), in particular the roles of the assessment and management of complex cases, of taking responsibility for patients with a combination of medical and psychological issues and of teaching CBT to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. The challenges of translating CBT competencies into generic non-CBT psychiatric settings are discussed, with the important potential role of the medical psychotherapist in this respect. The key skill of formulating cases in secondary care is emphasized

Psychiatry trainees' experiences of cognitive-behavioural therapy training in a UK deanery: A qualitative analysis

“…This echoes previous recommendations to utilise novel ways, such as peer-group learning, to assist CBT supervision and skills acquisition. 3 Thus, ensuring that protected learning time is provided and that it is a feasible task is likely to improve the trainees' experience.…”

“…Psychiatry trainees are expected to be competent to deliver CBT effectively, and CBT is a valuable skill that enriches and informs their practice. 3–5…”

IAPT: Improving Access to Psychiatric Training. CBT delivery by junior psychiatrists in primary care is good for the service, good for training and good for patients

“…The expectation to integrate the competencies demonstrated, within a therapy setting, into ‘routine practice’ is an additional step that some trainees may be able to manage concurrently under appropriate supervision conditions (Alfaraj et al 2015). Reference is made directly to this need in two out of 15 responses.…”

“…Little is known empirically about this process and it could be hypothesized that it is more likely to be achievable when supervision is provided by a psychiatrist who has already achieved this. Psychiatrists trained in CBT also endorse this idea (Alfaraj et al 2015). A move to base CBT training wholly within a primary-care setting may impair achievement of this step for some trainees.…”