Theoretical Paper How to skin a cat: A case for and against the use of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in pluralistic therapy

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the outcomes, acceptability and helpful aspects of a pluralistic therapeutic intervention for depression.DesignThe study adopted a multisite, non-randomised, pre-/post-intervention design.MethodsParticipants experiencing moderate or more severe levels of depression (as assessed by a score of 10 or greater on the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, PHQ-9) were offered up to 24 weeks of pluralistic therapy for depression. This is a collaborative integrative practice oriented around shared decision making on the goals and methods of therapy. Of the 42 participants assessed, 39 (92.9 per cent) completed two or more sessions. Participants were predominantly female (N=28, 71.8 per cent) and white (N=30, 76.9 per cent), with a mean age of 30.9. The principal outcome indicator was improvement and recovery on the PHQ-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale.ResultsOf the completer sample, 71.8 per cent of clients (N=28) showed reliable improvement and 43.6 per cent (N=17) showed reliable recovery. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) from baseline to endpoint were 1.83 for the PHQ-9 and 1.16 for the GAD-7. On average, the clients found the PfD sessions helpful and valued the flexibility and collaborative approach of their therapists. Clients felt that change had been brought about by their own active engagement in therapy and through the therapists relational qualities, as well as their use of techniques.ConclusionsInitial indications suggest that pluralistic therapy for depression has acceptable outcomes, retention rates, and user satisfaction. Refinement and further testing of the approach is recommended.

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The next generation of Canadian counselling psychologists

Bedi¹,

Christiani²,

Cohen³

2018

bpscpr

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Objectives:In response to the little information available about the characteristics of counselling psychology students in Canada and their impact on the future of the specialization in Canada, 52 student members of the Canadian Psychological Association’s Section on Counselling Psychology (representing a 26 per cent response rate) were surveyed using an adapted version of a questionnaire to survey counselling psychologists in Canada.Findings:Results indicated that, in most ways, the characteristics of Canadian counselling psychology students resemble those of current counselling psychologists but some differences emerged that point to a future with an increasing female-male practitioner gender gap, more non-heterosexual counselling psychologists, and a slight growth in humanistic/person-centred theories being used.Discussion:The field will likely continue to be characterized by heterosexual female counselling psychologists of European descent, who practice primarily from either a theoretically-integrative standpoint or cognitive-behavioural theory, who intervene largely through individual counselling or psychotherapy, and almost entirely only in the English language. The results of the study are examined with respect to understanding gaps in training, professional identity, and the apparent distancing from the historical roots of the profession. The limitations of the study are noted and avenues for future research are outlined. Some comparisons with the field in other regions of the world, like the UK, are also provided.

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Theoretical Paper How to skin a cat: A case for and against the use of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in pluralistic therapy

Cited by 3 publications

References 22 publications

Pluralistic Counselling Psychology

Pluralistic Counselling Psychology

Research Paper Pluralistic therapy for depression: Acceptability, outcomes and helpful aspects in a multisite study

The next generation of Canadian counselling psychologists

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