Evaluation of a Combined Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Process Group in the Psychotherapy Training of Clinical Psychologists

Abstract

It is now widely acknowledged that both content and process elements of psychotherapy play a part in client treatment outcomes. Despite this, there are pressures on Australian clinical psychology training programs to teach evidence-based approaches in a relatively short time frame. Producing clinical psychology graduates who have an adequate level of competence in evidence-based practice and meeting the demands of professional accreditation requirements can mean that less time is available to teach the process elements of psychotherapy.The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a clinical psychology psychotherapy training program that combines an interpersonal process group with a cognitive behavioural therapy training model that incorporates self-reflection and self-practice. Eleven participants who participated in the training in 2008 completed the Counseling Self-Estimate Inventory at pre-and post-training. Significant improvements on the majority of the subscales of this inventory were found. A separate sample of nine trainees and clinical psychology registrars who also previously completed the program attended individual interviews in 2010 aimed at gaining their perspective regarding various aspects of the program. Self-practice of cognitive behavioural therapy techniques was found to be important in the identification and management of trainees' own core beliefs, and to their appreciation of how challenging this process may be for clients. The interpersonal process group was described by participants as enhancing their competency as psychotherapists. Common themes included the experience of anxiety and a high level of emotion, and understanding how this experience might be similar for clients; increased self-awareness; and increased competence in process issues. Many participants believed the process and content components of training were equally important to their development as psychotherapists.

A Review of the Creative Group Work Training Program for Facilitators

“…The personal and professional development and growth that the trainees experience may foster an introspection that allows them to determine whether they display characteristics that enhance or obstruct therapeutic alliances. This understanding may then be used to improve their facilitation skills and responsiveness (Schneider & Rees, 2012 The training experiences reported by CSNSW trainees were similar to the training experiences reported in the evaluations of programs that have been said to enhance competency and therapeutically beneficial characteristics. Comments such as "pushing boundaries and personal development" and "professional development and appreciation," sound similar to the "therapist self-reflection" theme found in Bennett-Levy and colleagues' (Bennett-Levy et al, 2003;Bennett-Levy et al, 2001) evaluation of a self-practice/self-reflection training program and in Payne's (2010) evaluation of a personal development group's training.…”

“…At the end of the course, trainees provide responses to a brief questionnaire and they also provide extensive comments on any positive or negative aspects of their experience that they consider important. Similar to Aponte (1994); Bennett-Levy, Lee, Travers, Pohlman, & Hamernik (2003); Bennett-Levy et al (2001); Payne (2010); and Schneider and Rees (2012), this study will systematically examine this feedback. The quantitative feedback, (Questionnaire Part 1) addresses participant appraisal of the content and delivery of the program, and the qualitative feedback, (Questionnaire Part 2) provides the opportunity for participants to comment on the usefulness and acceptability of various elements of the training.…”

Experiences of self‐practice/self‐reflection in cognitive behavioural therapy: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies

“…Self‐practice also led therapists to experience anxiety about self‐disclosure or exposure (Bennett‐Levy & Lee, ; Haarhoff et al ., ), particularly within a group setting (Schneider & Rees, ). The group also elicited anxiety about being expected to contribute and not knowing what to expect (Schneider & Rees, ). Engaging with techniques, especially behavioural experiments, also led to anxiety, and some therapists noticed that they consequently avoided these techniques (Bennett‐Levy, ).…”

Spontaneous Self‐Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) by Aboriginal Counsellors During and Following CBT Training: A Retrospective Analysis of Facilitating Conditions and Impact

“…They were also a group with considerable personal resources-survivors who had histories of working in difficult environments. There is a growing evidence base on the value of self-experiential learning for CBT therapists (Bennett-Levy, Thwaites, Haarhoff, & Perry, 2015;Schneider & Rees, 2012;Thwaites, Bennett-Levy, Davis, & Chaddock, 2014). What the present data suggest is that Aboriginal mental health practitioners are responsive to self-experiential learning approaches, and experience both personal and professional benefits.…”