TY - JOUR PY - 2017// TI - An exploratory study on the issues and challenges clinicians encounter in the application of cognitive behavioural therapy with mentally disordered offender patients JO - Cognitive behaviour therapist A1 - Ferrito, Martha A1 - Moore, Estelle SP - e19 EP - e19 VL - 10 IS - N2 - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely acknowledged as a treatment of choice for a range of psychological disorders, including those that affect criminal offenders and mentally disordered offenders. Meta-analyses of multiple studies provide evidence of CBT's efficacy and have led to its recommendation as a first line treatment for anti-social personality disorder (ASPD; NICE, 2009). However, there is comparatively little evidence about the effectiveness of CBT in relation to complex problems faced by offenders in prison and secure psychiatric services. The aim of this study was to examine how clinicians conceptualize and respond to complexity in the practice of CBT treatment with high-risk mentally disordered offenders. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six practitioners. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The first main theme was 'critical challenges and issues' which included subthemes addressing patient characteristics, the therapeutic context, ethical challenges, and treatment challenges. The second main theme was 'overcoming obstacles' which included subthemes on promoting safety, an emphasis on non-specifics, how to create an enabling space and creative practice in the application of CBT. The study emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling safe space by being 'responsive' to the patients' needs and also emphasizes the importance of working to establish a baseline for 'safety' in all alliances wherever possible.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1754-470X UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X17000150 ID - ref1 ER -