‘Dealing with Difficult Feelings’ – reflections on process issues in CBT group therapy

Abstract

Two qualified and one assistant clinical psychologist delivered a modified version of Willner and Tomlinson’s (2004) CBT manual in a community setting. Service users’ reported experiences of the group and facilitators’ considerations are presented to identify process issues, both positive and negative, in order to inform future interventions. The findings are discussed in the context of the application of CBT to adults with learning disabilities after which recommendations for future group work are made. They include suggestions for: engaging support staff; enforcing agreed group rules; introducing cognitive skills; addressing community as well as individual issues; and follow-up.