What is CBTp?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis

A person-centered, time limited, evidence-based therapy for psychosis
Carefully tailored to the individual through formulation (not a package intervention)
Collaborative, hopeful, meaningful
Goal driven according to the individual's current life goals
Typically 6-12 months of weekly sessions, followed by 3-6 months of 2-weekly sessions, and 3-6 months of monthly or 6-weekly booster sessions
Two main aims:
  • to reduce the distress caused by hearing voices, other unusual experiences, or intense fears about others
  • to improve quality of life
May include some or all of the components listed below:

Engagement & Assessment

Happens over 6-10 sessions. 
Therapist will attempt to gain a detailed understanding of all unusual experiences from the person's perspective using the Antecedent-Belief-Consequence (ABC) model.

Coping Strategy Enhancement

Therapist and individual will collaboratively enhance existing coping strategies and add in some new ones, troubleshooting carefully.

New perspectives on psychosis

Therapist will share information and research data about hearing voices and or other unusual experiences that most of us are not aware of.

Beliefs about/relationships to unusual experiences

Using the CBT model, therapist and individual will carefully explore strongly held beliefs and/or relationships with voices that may be causing distress or interfering with the person's life goals. 

Relapse prevention

Therapist and individual, in conjunction with friends or family if appropriate, will collaboratively work to make a plan to assist with future unusual experiences. 

More info on CBTp