Group therapy integrated with CAT: interactive Group therapy integrated with cognitive analytic therapy, understandings and tools
This qualitative study investigated bringing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) tools and understandings (Ryle & Kerr, 2002) into a time-limited (16 sessions) interactive, here-and-now, group therapy (Yalom,1985). Group members were not exposed to CAT or individual work with the two facilitators prior to the group. The study investigated the group members’ experience, particularly in respect of the CAT tools; the facilitators’ experience of integrating CAT tools and understandings into the group; and the adaptations made to use the CAT tools in the group. The six group members were all service users within a secondary mental health service. Data were post session feedback forms and focus groups which were analysed using Template Analysis (King, 1998). CAT tools were simplified sequential diagrammatic reformulations (SDRs), which were made in the group; a group reformulation letter and a group goodbye letter. Five members completed the therapy and three brought goodbye letters. The discussion focuses on whether the adaptations made to the tools undermined fidelity to CAT. Facilitators described only advantages in using the tools and their pre-group fears of the tools impeding the group work proved unfounded. Group members appreciated the letters but differed in their feelings about their diagrams but they did use each others’ diagrams within the group and reported finding this helpful. A criticism from them was lack of direction from the facilitators, particularly in recording exits on the diagram. This is discussed along with some of the limitations of the study, particularly the researcher being the only coder.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations