How to Become a More Effective CBT Therapist: Mastering Metacompetence in Clinical Practice

CBT has been shown to be effective in helping many people with a wide range of difficulties. A key strength is its empirical basis, and much effort has gone into training therapists to adhere closely to the specific treatment protocols used in research trials. However, real–world therapists need to make moment–to–moment decisions about the direction therapy should take with individual clients. How to Become a More Effective CBT Therapist explores effective ways for therapists to move beyond competence to ‘metacompetence’, remaining true to the core principles of CBT while also adapting therapeutic techniques to address the everyday challenges of real–world clinical work with individuals. Based firmly on foundations of the current evidence, this innovative text explores common therapeutic factors such as the working alliance, managing diversity and developing a style, as well as providing more specific material for dealing with older people and individuals with long–term conditions (LTCs), intellectual disabilities, personality disorders and psychosis. For each topic, research evidence is analysed and practical solutions to working with complexity are presented. Clinical chapters feature detailed case studies and extracts of therapy transcript that illustrate the conceptualisation and implementation of a therapy plan, along with commentary on the decision–making process from the therapist’s perspective. A final section looks at development through feedback, supervision and self–practice.

Adrian Whittington is Director of Education and Training at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. A Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Adrian is passionate about enabling wider access to evidence–based psychological therapies. Adrian was a director of postgraduate training programmes in CBT before taking up his current role. He works clinically with people with anxiety disorders and depression and teaches on the postgraduate CBT training programme at the University of Sussex.   Nick Grey is Joint Clinical Director and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. A BABCP–accredited practitioner, supervisor, and trainer, Nick is also Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry and editor of A Casebook of Cognitive Therapy for Traumatic Stress Reactions (2009).