What are some of the benefits of low intensity CBT across different settings?

Introduction

I currently work as a Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner at the HPFT Digital team, having previously worked for HPFT as a trainee and qualified PWP. I have also worked as a senior practitioner supporting trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners, as well as previous roles in mental health and learning disability support work in both school and college settings. I have also done this as a community based role, both in the NHS and private sector.

Patients Point of View and Feedback

From a patients point of view, in both places of work, I have seen just how grateful the clients and service users are for the support they are given. A lot of the individuals make reliable improvement or a full clinical recovery, often not needing a return. I think this here is why it is such an important offer. Having support at a level of EMHP’s in schools and colleges, and a CWP in CAMHS services  allows lots of young people to gain coping skills and strategies before an older age – in turn this should reduce what we see come through at an adult level. The parents, staff at colleges, and the students themselves are all grateful for the offer of the support. They have also expressed interest in how they can help shape the services offered, as EMHP’s in particular are newer roles within the primary care model.

How Low Intensity CBT can benefit both practitioners and clients

When people think of CBT, they often think of the high intensity work, longer sessions over a longer period of time. Just having a basic understanding of how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, is sometimes enough for people to realise how normal and common some of the symptoms they notice are. Low intensity work also has the benefit that it is short term, people may be new to the idea of therapy and by being short term this can really help people to not feel as overwhelmed, the same as the fact the sessions are shorter too. Step 2 work can also help prepare people if they need more intensive support as they should already have an understanding of CBT and the main principles. If we can get that instilled early, this should help the practitioners at Step 3 if that is needed at a later point.

Personal experiences

Having been under an IAPT service myself years ago (back in 2009), I can honestly say the service not only gave me coping skills, but it really made me realise how much difference can be made to someone’s life in just a few short sessions. If I hadn’t had that support then, I don’t think I would have come down this career path. Being a qualified PWP, now a senior PWP and working with EMHP’s has given me so much enjoyment and I have learnt so much not just about the roles, but also about myself, my own resilience and my own strengths and passion for a job I enjoy, one that brings challenges and pushes you to be your best and constantly learn (trust me, I really am every day!) and, ultimately, one that does make a difference to others.

These roles are not easy, by any means, but they are rewarding. Step 2 practitioners are some of the most hard working individuals you will come across, along with many other professionals in the healthcare sector. Low intensity practitioners work with a wide range of presentations including worry, depression, stress and lots more, in individual and group settings. This work can be vital for so many people in a range of ages and for many it can be enough to help them to feel better in their life. Although the therapy is structured, it still allows for you to maintain and establish relationships. As a PWP, there are lots of opportunities to extend and specialise in areas such as perinatal, older adults, long term conditions, as well as many other areas. I have found the services as a whole to feel quite like a family, supportive of each other no matter if you are a CWP, EMHP or PWP. Having organisations such as the PPN helps them to feel more connected.

The training might feel daunting at first, but everyone is here to help, I really can see all three roles complementing each other, and sitting as important and needed as part of the wider team of psychological therapists especially within primary care.  

Summary

Low intensity CBT is not only beneficial to clients, who tend to enjoy the fact that there are practical elements to managing what is happening to them – rather than more of a talking based approach – but also to the practitioners themselves. It is a rewarding role, with a lot of really good outcomes for a lot of people across all age ranges, having worked with 16 year olds up to people in their 90s. Low Intensity CBT gives people the power to become aware of their own cycles and make changes, often before needing a higher intensity therapy. This has to be of benefit not just to the health service, but also to the service users as they can learn the skills for their own wellbeing toolbox, guided and supported by skilled practitioners who are trained to tailor therapy to suit individual needs.

Blog written by Laura Barsley, Senior PWP