Coping focus counselling in mental health nursing

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to describe a newly-developed system of mental health nurse counselling (coping focus counselling (CFC)) for people with serious and complex mental health needs. The system is based on the recovery alliance theory (RAT) of mental health nursing. The paper identifies shortcomings in current practices in psychotherapy and counselling in the exclusive use of techniques from a single approach, for example, cognitive behaviour therapy, client-centred therapy, attachment theory, or Gestalt theory. It also discusses the opposite dangers of the use of many techniques from different approaches, without a clear rationale for their selection. CFC was developed to avoid these practices. It accommodates the selective use of techniques from different approaches. Techniques selected are viewed as deriving their meanings from the theoretical framework into which they are assimilated, namely RAT, and no longer take the same meaning from the theory from which they originated. Central to this integrative process is the use of the concept of coping. Other distinguishing features of CFC are the use of everyday language in using the system and the reaffirmation of the nurse-client relationship within a working alliance as the basis in which the CFC operates.

Unknowing: A potential common factor in successful engagement and psychotherapy with people who have complex psychosocial needs

“…Nurses who work in the programme are highly educated and experienced, with all having postgraduate qualifications, and the majority have received training in some form of psychotherapy , affording the opportunity to provide long-term psychotherapy or counselling for people as needed (Shanley & Jubb-Shanley 2012). Nurses who work in the programme are highly educated and experienced, with all having postgraduate qualifications, and the majority have received training in some form of psychotherapy , affording the opportunity to provide long-term psychotherapy or counselling for people as needed (Shanley & Jubb-Shanley 2012).…”

“…Despite the discriminatory nature of the way nurses are treated in the MHNIP, over 500 nurses have chosen to work within the programme, which enables them to work outside of the structures of state health systems, and maintain relationships with people who have highly complex needs for as long as is necessary. Nurses who work in the programme are highly educated and experienced, with all having postgraduate qualifications, and the majority have received training in some form of psychotherapy , affording the opportunity to provide long-term psychotherapy or counselling for people as needed (Shanley & Jubb-Shanley 2012). While the MHNIP has not been evaluated using controlled trials, there are indications that the outcomes for most people include improved social and occupational functioning, enhanced community participation, reduced psychiatric symptoms, and reduced use of mental health services (Health Management Advisers 2012; Lakeman 2013a; Lakeman & Bradbury 2013).…”

Access to Physical Health Care for People with Serious Mental Illness: A Nursing Perspective and a Human Rights Perspective-Common Ground?

“…Nurses observe, first hand, the relationship between consumers and the health care system (Shanley & Jubb-Shanley, 2012;Shanley, Jubb, & Latter, 2003).…”

Therapeutic Alliance in Mental Health Nursing: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

“…Multiple terms are used to describe the alliance, sometimes within a single article, for example 'working alliance' (Doherty, 2009;Shanley & Jubb-Shanley, 2012); 'helping alliance' (Cole, 2006;Doherty, 2009); 'therapeutic relationship' (Hosking, 1993;Ramjan, 2004) 'working relationship' (Hewitt & Coffey, 2005;Thurston, 2003); 'therapeutic partnership' (Conway, 1998;Dickinson & Hurley, 2011;Sturis, 2002) and 'helping relationship' (Anderson & Funnell, 2008;Shanley & Jubb-Shanley, 2007). Some authors use these terms synonymously, while others draw critical distinctions regarding their use and meaning (Wright, 2010).…”

“…An effective nursing alliance involves such a process and unity (Callery & Milnes, 2012;Cole, 2006;Doherty, 2009;Gardner, 2010;Madden, 1990;Shattell, Starr, & Thomas, 2007 & Wood, 2010). The term 'partnership' symbolises the process and unity of a therapeutic alliance, representing equality, mutual agreement, collaboration and interpersonal engagement (Conway, 1998;Hostick & McClelland, 2002;Shanley & Jubb-Shanley, 2007;Shanley & Jubb-Shanley, 2012;Surtees, 2007). This partnership continues throughout the course of care, and the nurse dynamically adjusts the course of the partnership to the consumer's health situation and needs.…”