Solved! Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings
Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings
Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings. Explain at least two challenges PMHNPs might encounter when using CBT in one of these settings. Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly and attach the PDFs of your sources.
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Sample Expert Answer
CBT Use in Groups, Family, and Individual
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works well in family, group, and individual settings, although the therapeutic processes, results, and practical requirements vary depending on the environment. Individual CBT combines specialized methods and a solid therapy alliance to target a single client’s thoughts and behaviors. Group CBT speeds up skill development and normalizes experiences by utilizing peer processes, shared learning, and vicarious modeling.
Family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially helpful when dysfunctional family dynamics are a contributing element to the issue since it focuses on interactional patterns and systemic factors that sustain symptoms (Guo et al., 2021; Kopelovich et al., 2021; Law et al., 2021). In addition to comparing these forms, this paper highlights two potential difficulties that PMHNPs may encounter when providing CBT in group settings. It backs up its claims using three peer-reviewed sources and the course materials from this week.
Comparison of CBT Settings
In individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapists evaluate the client’s unique beliefs, jointly create agenda items, and modify behavioral trials and cognitive restructuring according to the client’s speed. Strong therapeutic alliances are frequently the result of individual labor (Guo et al., 2021). Group CBT offers benefits in efficiency and social learning; participants get feedback, practice interpersonal exposures in vivo, and watch peers effectively employ coping mechanisms.
Although variables (age, severity) affect relative effectiveness, meta-analytic evidence on youth anxiety indicates that both group and individual CBT can yield similar results (Guo et al., 2021). Preliminary research in psychosis-risk and caregiver training shows that family-inclusive approaches enhance engagement and carry over gains into everyday life. Family cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) integrates caregivers, addresses communication patterns, and aligns support systems with therapeutic goals (Kopelovich et al., 2021; Law et al., 2021).
How This Week’s Media Illustrates Differences
The individual session vignette focused on functional analysis and customized behavioral experiments. The group demonstration featured role-plays, peer feedback, and structured skill modules; the family clip demonstrated the restructuring of interactional contingencies and homework assignments involving multiple family members. These recorded demonstrations and the week’s lecture on CBT modalities highlighted different mechanisms. It became clear from observing each format how the settings influence therapeutic tasks, with family sessions stressing systemic change and group sessions focusing on peer processes and standards.
Challenges for PMHNPs Using CBT in Group Settings
First, one of the main challenges is maintaining secrecy and group dynamics. Different groups have different interpersonal styles, levels of symptom intensity, and levels of change readiness. Setting standards, rebalancing interactions, and handling disclosures in an ethical manner are all skills that PMHNPs need to possess. The group demonstration included a specific example of a member monopolizing time. Ineffective dynamics management can degrade results and decrease treatment fidelity.
Second, it can be challenging to customize interventions to meet the requirements of each member in a group. Group curricula that are standardized maximize efficiency, but they run the risk of not being sufficiently customized for complex comorbidities or cultural preferences that are prevalent in a variety of patient populations. When necessary, PMHNPs must schedule supplemental individual sessions or incorporate quick individual check-ins. Although group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy can be comparable in general, some clients will need more specialized care due to their diversity (Guo et al., 2021).
Evidence Base and Why Sources Are Scholarly
As a systematic quantitative synthesis published in a peer-reviewed journal (Frontiers in Psychiatry) with DOI and rigorous methodologies, the meta-analysis by Guo et al. (2021) of randomized controlled trials comparing individual and group CBT for teenage anxiety is considered academic. In a peer-reviewed publication (Psychiatric Services), Kopelovich et al. (2021) assess a CBT-informed caregiver training; the study employs empirical methodologies and presents findings pertinent to family-centered CBT, identifying it as academic.
A feasibility study for combined individual and family CBT is described by Law et al. (2021) in a reputable peer-reviewed publication (Early Intervention in Psychiatry). The article includes baseline data, procedures, and trial justification, meeting academic criteria for methodology and review. Every source is published in respectable publications, undergoes peer review, and is clear in its methodology.
Conclusion
Although the flexibility of CBT enables successful work in family, group, and individual settings, each model has drawbacks. While group CBT increases productivity and peer learning, PMHNPs have difficulties due to group dynamics and the lack of individual customization. These restrictions can be lessened by combining different modalities or by including customized elements. PMHNPs can provide scalable, evidence-based CBT in a variety of contexts if they foresee and prepare for these difficulties.
References
Guo, T., Su, J., Hu, J., Aalberg, M., Zhu, Y., Teng, T., & Zhou, X. (2021). Individual vs. group cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorder in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 674267. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.674267
Kopelovich, S. L., Stiles, B., Monroe-DeVita, M., Hardy, K., Hallgren, K., & Turkington, D. (2021). Psychosis REACH: Effects of a brief CBT-informed training for family and caregivers of individuals with psychosis. Psychiatric Services, 72(11), 1254-1260. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202000740
Law, H., Izon, E., Au‐Yeung, K., Morrison, A. P., Byrne, R., Notley, C., … & French, P. (2021). Combined individual and family therapy in comparison to treatment as usual for people at‐risk of psychosis: A feasibility study (IF CBT): Trial rationale, methodology and baseline characteristics. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 15(1), 140-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12922
