OUTCOME EVALUATION OF A BRIEF SHARED LEARNING PROGRAMME IN COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new brief training programme in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) within a waiting list control group design. A consecutive sample of 90 mental health professionals were allocated routinely by their managers to be trained in CBT. Over 12 week training periods, these 90 professionals received a total of 48 hours of shared learning, covering core CBT theory and techniques for depression and anxiety. An experiential workshop format was utilized throughout and a comprehensive outcome evaluation was conducted, using multiple measures and methods. The findings indicated that the training was effective in terms of the favourable reactions of the participants, the knowledge and skills they gained, and the generalization of this learning to their work environment. It is concluded that brief shared training in CBT can be successful, in line with current NHS priorities.