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This document is an editorial from the Counselling Psychology Review, written by Miltos Hadjiosif and May Lene Karlsen. The authors discuss their anthology of seven stories that aim to provoke and inspire therapists to reflect on their own journeys. They challenge the dominant narrative of the "wounded healer" and seek to highlight the diverse experiences and perspectives within the profession. The authors also emphasize the importance of storytelling and narrative in the field of counselling psychology, calling for a balance between skills-based knowledge and the rich, non-linear life-histories of therapists. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents findings and analyses from a survey conducted by the Psychotherapy Section committee with the BPS Research Team to understand the needs and perspectives of its members. The online survey, carried out between 20 September and 23 October 2023, targeted 1237 members and achieved a 14% response rate. The results reveal a 'U-shaped' trend in Section membership length, indicating lower renewal rates after the first year. Key insights include a lack of awareness (34%) about the BPS Register of Psychologists Specialising in Psychotherapy (ROPSIP) and low social media engagement. The paper offers recommendations, including developing an onboarding process for new members, promoting ROPSIP, collaborating with allied organisations, continuing publications, improving social media impact, and ensuring interested members are actively engaged in Section activities. The findings underscore the importance of aligning Section strategies with member preferences for a more effective and inclusive approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the Clinical Psychology Forum. The author discusses their shared interests with a colleague, including their involvement in amateur theater and their passion for systemic thinking and practice. The author reflects on their own experiences with systemic thinking, including their exposure to family therapy in Venice and their training in systemic family therapy. They also mention the challenges of implementing systemic practice in established services and highlight the influences on their own practice, such as the PPRRactice Model and Narrative Therapy training. The author concludes by inviting readers to explore the concepts and ideas presented in the contributors' papers and to learn more about systemic thinking. [Extracted from the article]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various articles within the issue on topics including research aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the Tree of Life narrative approach; psychotherapeutic strategies; and an obituary for therapist Philip Cox.

This article, titled "Foreword," is a special issue of the Clinical Psychology Forum focused on the expansion of the psychological professions workforce. The papers in this issue discuss the significant growth in the workforce over the past decade, driven by the increasing evidence base for psychological interventions and growing awareness of mental health issues. The expansion has led to the commissioning of new roles and the development of a more psychologically informed National Health Service (NHS). The papers also address issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as the importance of leadership in the field. Despite challenges, the contributors highlight the achievements and progress made in meeting the psychological needs of the population. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a clear vision and strategy to continue closing the gap between workforce demand and supply. [Extracted from the article]

This paper explains the context for secondary accreditations for clinical psychologists, with a focus on the recognised multi-professional marker for competence in CBT, BABCP accreditation. It describes what CBT accreditation is and how clinical psychologists can achieve it at any stage of their career. The meaning of secondary accreditation within our profession is explored and the debate is outlined in the hope that readers will gain greater clarity about the value and benefits of dual accreditation in CBT for clinical psychologists. The views of clinical psychologists at all stages of their career from trainees to service leads are presented. Recent learning and developments from dual accredited clinical psychology doctorates in England are shared including the voices of a recent graduate of a Level 2 accredited doctorate, to provide insights and guidance for other doctorate programmes currently developing Level 2 BABCP accreditation, their supervisors and their trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to identify the key elements necessary to develop an effective psychological practitioner workforce ready to work with older people with a range of needs across multiple settings. It highlights the demand for psychological skills linked with the increasing age of the population and the need to expand the workforce accordingly. The role of the Faculty of the Psychology of Older People (FPOP) in advocating for greater emphasis on older adult needs is noted alongside their work in delivering the training and supervision required. Their published work linked with psychological therapies and dementia interventions is discussed, alongside established conference and bulletin outputs. The paper moves to discuss specific psychological practitioner workforce needs and developments across clinical psychology training courses, NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression services, the Community Mental Health (CMHT) Transformation agenda and work within dementia and neurodegenerative conditions. Throughout the importance of leadership, consultancy and supervision are highlighted as well as the need to consider older adult needs within a framework of equality, diversity and inclusion, with a critical eye to the role ageism may play in impeding progress. Ultimately, working psychologically with older people requires expertise and a diverse skill set, the privilege of working with fascinating people which leads to a fulfilling role working with other enthusiastic and supportive clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores concerns regarding the standardization and technologization of education, specifically in the field of counseling psychology training. While acknowledging the potential benefits of these changes, such as increased access and improved planning, the author also highlights the negative consequences, including a loss of independence, curiosity, and risk-taking in the learning process. The article argues that spontaneity, emotion, and unpredictability are crucial for effective learning, and that a focus on metrics and outcomes can hinder genuine engagement. The author calls for a reevaluation of the current approach to education and emphasizes the importance of reflection, critical thinking, and protecting vital aspects of teaching and learning. [Extracted from the article]

This article is based on the text of a talk given at a conference on the future of counselling and psychotherapy organised by the Alliance for Counselling and Psychotherapy in December 2012. The full text appears in Therapy Today, March 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is unique being the only NHS Talking Therapies Services (NHSTTS) therapy involving partners. As a couple therapy it is systemic as well as behavioural. CTfD is an effective intervention for both depression and relationship distress and achieves good recovery-rates for depression and anxiety compared with other 'high-intenstty' therapies. Delivery of CTfD in NHSTTS is inadequate. Over a third of NHSTTS provide no CTfD. When they do, delivery is so minimal that depressed clients cannot generally access CTfD. Since 2010, 1172 CTfD therapists have been trained yet, in 2021/2, only 1574 couples received CTfD (approximately one couple seen per year per therapist). This is wasteful given the investment of time and money. Constraints affecting delivery e.g. individually-focused organisational culture of NHSTTS, misunderstanding of the role of CTfD therapists, inappropriate referrals, inadequate supervision and delivery on a minimal scale, are discussed and recommendations outlined. Clients deserve genuine choice, staff need support to deliver CTfD effectively, and referral quantity and quality require urgent attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research assessed the effectiveness of the Tree of Life narrative approach in supporting vulnerable refugee children in schools. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, finding positive and significant improvements in areas such as self-confidence, future goals, school enjoyment, motivation, and parental understanding. No significant change was observed in participants' pride in their cultural heritage. Qualitative analysis revealed seven categories, affirming the Tree of Life's positive impact on participants' lives, including increased confidence, positive behavioural changes, and improved social relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the Comprehend, Cope and Connect model in embedding a psychotherapeutic approach throughout a team, and making such an approach available to those with severe mental health problems, is outlined. The model is explained: its starting point in felt sense; its distributed model of the self, and its co-produced, trauma informed formulation that leads to new ways of coping with the internal state, which can be supported by a wider team. The way in which this makes a psychotherapeutic approach, with emphasis on the power of relationship, available to acute psychiatric and other services providing for those with severe mental health problems, is outlined. The inclusion of spirituality and its applicability to diverse populations is also covered, along with its, so far limited, research base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on introducing key members of the Psychotherapy Section committee for the year 2024, which include Ho Chung Law, Angela Shengxi Miao, and Isabel Clarke, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and contributions to mental health and psychotherapy.

The article provides an update on three personality assessment tools: the Mettl Personality Map (MPM), the Adaptive Employee Personality Test (ADEPT-15), and the Type Dimensions Profiler (TDP). The MPM is an online measure of personality for use in occupational settings, with 28 traits across four factors. The ADEPT-15 is an online adaptive assessment measuring 15 personality traits grouped into six higher-order styles. The TDP is a measure of personality type based on Jungian preferences. Each tool has its own unique features and can be accessed online. [Extracted from the article]