Annual Report 2003-2004 - CAT service

Cognitive Analytic Therapy is still in its infancy in Shropshire. It is a therapy which has been developed by Dr Anthony Ryle, based at Guy’s Hospital, London, over the last 20 years or so for use in the NHS for a variety of problems. CAT integrates theoretical ideas from Cognitive Therapy and Psychoanalysis and is time-limited, usually 16 – 24 sessions.

With the aim of expanding the availability of CAT within the Department of Psychological Therapies and the Trust I have organised and run a successful CAT Practitioner Training for 6 trainees in Shropshire which commenced in September 2001. The taught part of the training was completed in July 2003. The trainees will continue in supervision until they have completed their clinical requirements for accreditation with the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy.

I am pleased to be able to say that one of the trainees has recently gained accreditation with ACAT as a CAT Practitioner. The other trainees are coming towards the end of their required clinical work when they will be in a position to apply for accreditation.

At present CAT is available to only a very small number of clients referred to Chaddeslode House and The Dawley Centre for Psychological Therapies. I would hope in the future to be able to develop the service in much the same way in which CBT has been developed within the Trust with specific posts for those working using the CAT method being available across the county. I would also hope to be able to offer a consultancy service for the CMHTs to assist staff in the management of some of their clients.

Dr Tina Griffiths