The integration of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm) has emerged as a promising approach to address mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. A recent study titled
An evaluation of large group cognitive behaviour therapy with mindfulness (CBTm) classes offers valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their therapeutic strategies and outcomes. This blog will summarize the key findings and discuss how these can be applied to improve practice.
Key Findings of the Study
The study, conducted at a tertiary mental health clinic in Winnipeg, Canada, evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of 4-session CBTm classes. The primary outcomes measured were:
- Acceptability and retention rates
- Changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) scales
Acceptability and Retention
The results indicated high acceptability, with over 90% of participants expressing a desire to attend future sessions. The dropout rate was 37.5%, which is consistent with similar interventions. This suggests that large-group CBTm classes are a viable strategy for engaging clients and maintaining their interest in therapy.
Symptom Improvement
The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The mean change per class was -0.52 for GAD-7 and -0.65 for PHQ-9, both with small effect sizes. While these improvements were statistically significant, they were not deemed clinically significant. This highlights the potential for CBTm to contribute to symptom management, albeit modestly.
Implementing CBTm in Practice
Based on the study's findings, practitioners can consider the following strategies to enhance their practice:
1. Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness exercises were a core component of the CBTm classes. Practitioners can integrate mindfulness practices such as body scans, awareness of breath, and loving-kindness meditations into their sessions. These techniques can help clients develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings.
2. Use Group Sessions to Improve Access
Large-group CBTm sessions can help address the issue of limited access to therapy. By reaching more clients simultaneously, practitioners can reduce wait times and provide timely support to those in need.
3. Tailor Interventions for Higher Engagement
The study found that clients with more severe symptoms or lower education levels were more likely to drop out. Practitioners should consider tailoring their interventions to meet the specific needs of these clients, possibly through more personalized or smaller group sessions.
4. Monitor and Adjust Based on Feedback
Regularly collecting and analyzing client feedback can help practitioners refine their approaches. The high acceptability rates in the study suggest that clients' perceptions of usefulness are crucial for retention and engagement.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides preliminary evidence supporting the acceptability and modest effectiveness of CBTm, further research is needed. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own studies and sharing their findings. Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of the current study, such as the lack of a control group and the need for more rigorous study designs.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
An evaluation of large group cognitive behaviour therapy with mindfulness (CBTm) classes.
