Writing the ‘self’ into self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) in CBT: learning from autoethnography

Abstract

Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) allows cognitive behavioural therapists (CBT) to self-experience the techniques they use clinically. However, it is difficult to find published first-hand accounts of CBT therapists’ SP/SR experiences. This may be because CBT research is primarily positivist and objective, while SP/SR is intrinsically subjective. Borrowing from the principles of autoethnography may offer a subjectivist qualitative methodology, allowing CBT therapists to write up their SP/SR experiences as rich, first-hand research material, potentially impacting theory and practice. This novel personal case study of SP/SR borrows from autoethnography, adapting it to analyse the self-practice of the CBT model of worry, in order to understand my own experience of worry as well as the model itself. Key learning aims (1) To develop an approach to the research that is applicable to first-hand SP/SR material. (2) To demonstrate how therapists can continue SP/SR practice post-CBT training. (3) To illustrate how, with the aid of autoethnographic principles, SP/SR practice can influence not only the practitioner’s personal and therapist-self, but also theory development.

Reliability of the Reflective Essay Marking Scale (REMS): a scale for marking of students’ reflective essays

“…By being consistent with the theory, learning reflection as a skill might be enhanced, thereby improving gains for therapists. The REMS may improve the use and rating of the quality of reflective learning beyond learning as exemplified by Chigwedere (2019).…”

“…SP/SR manuals have now been developed for use in CBT (Bennett-Levy et al, 2015), compassion-focused therapy (Kolts et al, 2018) and schema therapy (Farrell and Shaw, 2018). Furthermore, research evidence supports SP/SR's utility as a method of therapist development with a range of professional and personal effects (Chigwedere, 2019;Gale & Schröder, 2014;Pakenham, 2015;Scott et al, 2020). Bennett-Levy (2006) has proposed the explanatory declarative-procedural-reflective (DPR) model, which was later elaborated upon in the personal practice model (PPM) (Bennett-Levy and Finlay-Jones, 2018).…”

Further development of the intolerance of uncertainty model of GAD: a case series

“…and J.M.). The motivation for the novel treatment approach was an effort to improve outcomes for GAD patients using theory, clinical observation and therapist self-practice (Chigwedere, 2019) evidence. As such, this was a clinically motivated attempt to evaluate our novel model (Chigwedere and Wilson, 2021) in a more structured approach than the piecemeal, adjunctive approach we had applied in usual routine practice.…”

“…Treatment is usually in group or individual formats or a combination of both. The novel model applied in the current case series originally resulted from the clinical observations of the first author, including reflective self-application (Chigwedere, 2019), along with discussions with the second author and other colleagues and patients. This case series provides an opportunity to evaluate and report on the acceptability of the model and treatment as a standalone approach, not as an adjunctive approach as was the case in a previous non-inferiority trial (Timulak et al, 2018).…”

Development of an android-based journaling and mood tracking mobile application for improving mental health using firebase application programming interface

“…5 The act of journaling has been shown to promote self-reflection and emotional regulation, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. 6 Mood tracking can provide individuals with valuable information about patterns and triggers in their emotional experiences, allowing for greater insight and control over their mental health. 7 Furthermore, journaling and mood tracking have been found to be associated with improved coping skills and increased resilience in the face of stress and adversity.…”