Abstract
Background
Psychological interventions for bipolar disorders typically produce mixed outcomes and modest effects. The need for a more effective intervention prompted the development of a new cognitive behavioural therapy, based on an integrative cognitive model (TEAMS therapy). Unlike previous interventions, TEAMS addresses current symptoms and comorbidities, and helps clients achieve long-term goals. A pilot randomised controlled trial (the TEAMS trial) of the therapy has recently concluded. This study explored participants’ experiences of TEAMS, recommendations for improvement, and experiences of useful changes post-therapy.
Methods
Fourteen TEAMS therapy participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Their accounts were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Two researchers coded the dataset independently. Member checks were conducted of the preliminary themes.
Results
Two overarching themes; “useful elements of therapy” and “changes from therapy” encompassed 12 emerging subthemes. Participants appreciated having opportunities to talk and described the therapy as person-centred and delivered by caring, approachable and skilled therapists. Some recommended more sessions than the 16 provided. Helpful therapeutic techniques were reported to be, normalisation about moods, methods to increase understanding of moods, relapse-prevention, reappraisal techniques and metaphors. However, some did not find therapeutic techniques helpful. Post-therapy, many reported changes in managing mood swings more effectively and in their thinking (although some participants reported changes in neither). Many described increased acceptance of themselves and of having bipolar disorder, increased productivity, and reduced anxiety in social situations.
Conclusions
The present study evaluates participants’ therapy experiences in detail, including aspects of therapy viewed as helpful, and meaningful post-therapy outcomes.
Psychological interventions for bipolar disorders typically produce mixed outcomes and modest effects. The need for a more effective intervention prompted the development of a new cognitive behavioural therapy, based on an integrative cognitive model (TEAMS therapy). Unlike previous interventions, TEAMS addresses current symptoms and comorbidities, and helps clients achieve long-term goals. A pilot randomised controlled trial (the TEAMS trial) of the therapy has recently concluded. This study explored participants’ experiences of TEAMS, recommendations for improvement, and experiences of useful changes post-therapy.
Methods
Fourteen TEAMS therapy participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Their accounts were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Two researchers coded the dataset independently. Member checks were conducted of the preliminary themes.
Results
Two overarching themes; “useful elements of therapy” and “changes from therapy” encompassed 12 emerging subthemes. Participants appreciated having opportunities to talk and described the therapy as person-centred and delivered by caring, approachable and skilled therapists. Some recommended more sessions than the 16 provided. Helpful therapeutic techniques were reported to be, normalisation about moods, methods to increase understanding of moods, relapse-prevention, reappraisal techniques and metaphors. However, some did not find therapeutic techniques helpful. Post-therapy, many reported changes in managing mood swings more effectively and in their thinking (although some participants reported changes in neither). Many described increased acceptance of themselves and of having bipolar disorder, increased productivity, and reduced anxiety in social situations.
Conclusions
The present study evaluates participants’ therapy experiences in detail, including aspects of therapy viewed as helpful, and meaningful post-therapy outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy |
| Early online date | 21 Sept 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |