Conflicts of Identity – How Counsellors Practice CBT 5 Years Post Qualification

Cognitive Behaviour therapy (CBT) relies on homogenous practice for it’s evidence base. However training to an accreditable standard in the UK requires 3 years of “core professional” addition 1 CBT IAPT (Improving Access Psychological Therapy, trained primary care cases only) and 2 more complex roles. The core professional has unique aspects which may differ between groups (Nursing, Counselling, Occupational etc) have varied ideological standpoints rituals, potential conflict with CBT. This study asks question “How do (BACP accreditable) Counsellors psychotherapists (Hereafter counsellors) High Intensity roles CBT”? achieves this through analysis a focus group 5 counsellors at least experience using thematic methodology. Five themes were identified - processes transition, ongoing reconciling roles, Features retained from counselling practice, changed features resisted not adopted. Results suggest broad adaptation some (Responsiveness client, knowing whole client) emphasised or differently conventional views Practice. adopt, try avoid adopting, positivist CBT, remains source application Implications: fully conform model practice. Further research is necessary establish whether affects outcomes.