Written by 1 CBT Articles. As always, there are fascinating studies in the latest Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy Journal (January, 2019).
CBT isn’t for everyone, and Kate Hanson is comparing the effects on depression of reading two self help books – one written from a positive psychology perspective and the other using a CBT approach. Hanson finds that both have an impact on depression but makes the point that a book written using a positive psychology approach may appeal to those who have unsuccessfully tried CBT.
I like the article written by Shafran and colleagues who note that getting early help for anxiety and depression can lead to more positive outcomes. The article appeals to me because it discusses the role of what is technically called psychoeducation: helping people learn about mental health symptoms and what treatments are available and where, and destigmatising mental ill health through education.
In their study, Shafran and colleagues are interested in whether self monitoring of symptoms can lead to seeking help. It confirmed to me that I also need to better track improvements as therapy progresses – I do track progress but need to share this more effectively with the people I work with.
2 Children at Christmas. Working in children’s mental health services it has really brought it home to me how Christmas can be a time of crisis for some people. So its good to see organisations such as Young Minds doing their bit to encourage people to stay well or seek support if needbe.
3 Digital IAPT – anyone? Needs some staying power and I must confess I haven’t read every word but there is enough interesting points in this article by Mark Brown to deserve a second and probably a third read.
Mood-Coach 