Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) as a training strategy to enhance therapeutic empathy in low intensity CBT practitioners

Introduction Low intensity interventions have been developed as a population-wide strategy to increase access to evidence-based psychological therapies, using the minimum level of intervention necessary to create the maximum gain [...]
Low intensity CBT interventions are starting to be introduced into national healthcare systems (e.g. UK, Australia) to facilitate population-wide access to evidence-based psychological interventions. Good practitioner interpersonal skills are important to enhance the effectiveness of low intensity interventions. Self-Practice/Self-reflection (SP/SR) is an experiential training strategy with an evidence base that suggests its value in enhancing interpersonal skills. This study examines the impact of SP/SR on therapeutic empathy in a group of experienced low intensity practitioners in England. The results suggest a primary impact of SP/SR on practitioners' empathic stance/attitude. Other aspects of empathy (empathic attunement, empathic communication) are potentially responsive to SP/SR, but may require skilled reflective questioning and deliberate practice to translate attitude/stance to empathic attunement and communication skills.