Researchers at Osaka University have developed and evaluated a new eight-week training program that enables psychology trainees to effectively perform CBT by applying the techniques to themselves. Based on self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR), this study suggests that this program may deepen trainees’ understanding of CBT while enhancing self-awareness and reflective practice, skills considered important for effective psychological support.
Training in CBT is more than just learning therapeutic techniques. It also includes reflective practice, the ability to consider one’s thoughts, feelings, and professional behavior to improve future clinical work. SP/SR is an established training approach in which trainees use CBT techniques based on their own experiences and reflect on what they have learned. Previous research suggests that SP/SR can enhance both professional skills and personal insight. However, implementing such programs in graduate education can be difficult due to time constraints and the emotional strain of dealing with personal issues.
To address these challenges, the team developed a concise version focused on SP/SR formulation. In CBT, “formulation” refers to sorting out the factors that may be maintaining a person’s difficulties and using that understanding to guide change.
The eight-week program consisted of four sections. Each section combines self-practice, self-reflection, reflection on other participants’ reflections, and group meetings. Of the 29 students who completed the post-program survey, 93.10% reported being satisfied with the training, 82.76% reported an increased understanding of CBT techniques, and 82.76% reported improved self-awareness and self-reflection skills. Only one participant reported a mild adverse event, suggesting that the program was generally safe and manageable.
The findings suggest that this program could provide a practical model for training future psychologists and other mental health professionals. In addition to supporting CBT education, it also helps develop qualities such as reflective practice, self-understanding, and self-care, which are important for maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of psychological support. The researchers suggest that similar experiential training programs could contribute to improving mental health care by incorporating them into educational and clinical settings.
“I strongly sympathized with the idea of understanding CBT from the inside out,” says Professor Jun Sasaki. “After years of development, we have created a program that is practical, safe and highly engaging for our trainees. We hope that it will contribute not only to the quality of CBT education, but also to broader psychological support, as SP/SR can deepen not only CBT learning but also reflective practice and self-care.”
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Reference magazines:
Preliminary feasibility and acceptability study of a version focused on the formulation of self-practice/reflection (SP/SR) therapist training. Journal of the Japanese Cognitive Therapy Society. DOI: 10.82634/jcogther.19.1_59
