Elucidating the Elements of Clinical Case Consultation in Cognitive Processing Therapy

Research shows the value of consultation following training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a frontline psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder; however, the elements of successful CPT consultation are not delineated. This study’s aim was to elucidate the elements of successful consultation in CPT. Participants ( N = 41) were mental health clinicians, including psychologists, social workers, nurses, and psychiatrists, and consultants ( N = 4), who provided clinical case consultation. The clinicians participated in group clinical case consultation for 6 months following their workshop participation. Thirty audio recorded consultation calls were analyzed using thematic analysis. Elements were identified and organized according to the following themes: Organization, Knowledge Consolidation, Case Conceptualization, Directive Instruction, Nondirective Instruction, and Provision of Feedback. Important next steps include: (a) developing a model positing how the elements of successful clinical case consultation in CPT fit together and (b) identifying its mechanisms.