As a Special Education Director, ensuring that our students receive the best possible support is always a top priority. However, we often face challenges such as therapist staffing shortages and maintaining student engagement in online therapy programs. A recent study, Transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: Feasibility of a motivational interviewing resource, sheds light on a promising solution that can enhance our online therapy services.
The study explores the integration of a brief motivational interviewing (MI) resource during internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT). This approach aims to address common issues like low engagement and treatment outcomes in online therapy. Here’s how you, as a practitioner, can leverage the findings from this study to improve your skills and the effectiveness of your therapy sessions.
Understanding the Study
The research involved 763 clients enrolled in an ICBT course. It investigated the use, client characteristics, and outcomes of a brief MI resource offered during the treatment. The key findings are:
- 15% of clients used the MI resource.
- Clients who were older, had higher education, scored higher on depression, and lower on anxiety were more likely to use the resource.
- Clients using the resource showed higher engagement but lower improvement in disability post-treatment.
- 94% of clients who used the resource found it beneficial.
Practical Implementation for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some practical steps you can take to implement MI in your online therapy sessions:
- Introduce MI Resources: Incorporate brief MI resources during your ICBT sessions. These can include motivational questions, exercises, and reflective activities to help clients clarify their values and set achievable goals.
- Target Specific Clients: Pay special attention to clients who may benefit the most from MI, such as those with higher levels of depression or lower engagement. Tailor the MI resources to address their specific needs.
- Monitor Engagement: Track client engagement with the MI resources. Use this data to adjust your approach and provide additional support where needed.
- Collect Feedback: Regularly collect and analyze client feedback on the MI resources. This will help you refine the resources and ensure they are meeting the clients' needs effectively.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research on the integration of MI in ICBT. Encourage your team to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in studies to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the effectiveness of your online therapy sessions and better support your students' mental health and well-being.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: Feasibility of a motivational interviewing resource.
