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Delivering Low Intensity CBT group interventions

Taf Kunorubwe

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Introduction

Low-intensity psychological therapy has proven to be effective in addressing mild to moderate mental health issues, with one of the primary methods of delivering this therapy being through group sessions. Group psychoeducation can take two main formats: didactic and workshop (Noble et al., 2021). Didactic ones more closely resemble a conventional lecture setting and require minimal participant involvement (White & Keenan, 1990). In contrast, workshops encourage patient interaction, involving activities such as group exercises, discussions, and role-plays (Brown et al., 2004).


Some of the advantages of group delivery are significant, offering frequent and diverse opportunities for mutual reinforcement and peer modelling (Wolgensinger, 2015). This peer support is often more impactful than reinforcement provided solely by a therapist (Rose, 1999). Consequently, it represents a potential option for individuals seeking psychological therapy. Furthermore, in settings with limited resources, such group sessions are recognized for their cost-effectiveness and time efficiency in treating a larger number of patients (Kwon & Oei, 2003; Oei & Dingle, 2002). But that is not to say is doesn’t come with challenges and pitfalls.


The event will be equivalent to 2.3/4hrs of CPD.

Content

By the end of the webinar and associated resources participants will:
• Be able to describe Low Intensity CBT Group Interventions
• Identify factors that might affect attendance, engagement, retention, and outcomes.
• Describe and implement key group facilitation competencies.
• Reflect on whether there is a need for culturally adapted group interventions and start building a rationale for such service development work.

Learning Objectives

This webinar will:
• Provide an overview of Low Intensity CBT Group Interventions
• Recap on the evidence base of Low Intensity CBT Group Interventions
• Provide a rationale and suggestions for group preparation and engagement
• Recap on group facilitations skills
• Reflect on whether there is a need for culturally adapted Low Intensity CBT Group Interventions

Training Modalities

The session will include lecture content, Reflective exercise, Q&A, and polls.

Key References

Bennett-Levy, J., Richards, D., Farrand, P., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K., Kavanagh, D. & Williams, C. (Eds.). (2010). Oxford guide to low intensity CBT interventions. OUP Oxford.

Delgadillo, J., Kellett, S., Ali, S., McMillan, D., Barkham, M., Saxon, D., & Lucock, M. (2016). A multi-service practice research network study of large group psychoeducational cognitive behavioural therapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 87, 155–161. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.010

Kunorubwe, T. (In Press). Cultural adaptations of group CBT for depressed clients from diverse backgrounds. A systematic review.

Noble, L., Firth, N., Delgadillo, J., & Kellett, S. (2021). An investigation of the competencies involved in the facilitation of CBT based group psychoeducational interventions. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 49(6), 732-744. Doi: 10.1017/S1352465821000084

Ruth, E., & Spiers, J. (2023). A Pragmatic Guide to Low Intensity Psychological Therapy: Care in High Volume. Academic Press.

Westbrook, D., Kennerley, H. & Kirk, J. (2011). An introduction to cognitive behaviour therapy: Skills and applications. Sage.

About the presenter

Taf Kunorubwe is a BABCP-accredited CBT Therapist, Supervisor, and Trainer. He has extensive experience in working and supervising as a PWP and High-Intensity Therapist in England. He has also led Low Intensity CBT (LICBT) and CBT training courses in Wales.
Currently, he works part-time in private practice, with a special interest in enhancing access and outcomes for clients from diverse backgrounds. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a guest lecturer at various universities and trainer within the field. He offers consultancy services to local organisations and nationwide institutions, and he actively contributes to projects aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of mental health services.

Who should attend

This event is designed for practitioners delivering or supervising the delivery of Low Intensity group interventions. This may include CBT Therapists, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Low Intensity Practitioners, Children and young people's wellbeing practitioners, Enhanced Psychological Practitioners, and Psychologists.

Details coming soon

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