20th February 2024 Newsletter

Insights: Difficult-To-Treat Depression – Dr Stephen Barton

Stephen Barton is a clinical psychologist, trainer, researcher and author based at the Regional Affective Disorders Service in Newcastle. He has led the development of a self-regulation model of depression, aiming to help clients with difficult-to-treat depression. While it’s still early days in testing the model, it's an original and fascinating approach which we were keen to learn more about.

New German Translations

In line with our mission to make our resources more accessible to global audiences, we have uploaded 5 German translations from our popular cognitive distortion series: Labeling, Mental Filter, Mind Reading, Overgeneralizing, and Permissive Thinking.

Informing Patients About Possible Negative Effects of Psychological Treatment

Discussing the potential for negative effects in psychological therapies is an important but sometimes neglected conversation. In this study of Swedish clinical psychologists, 74% of clinicians informed patients about potential negative effects of therapy. Demographic factors showed no significant associations, although there did appear to be some trends. Hindrances to disclosure included lack of knowledge, fear, time constraints, and patient characteristics. The study recommends integrating discussions on negative effects into ethical guidelines and clinical training. It also highlights the importance of addressing therapist blocks and patient-specific considerations during informed consent.

Overall, there appears to be many benefits in having an open and balanced conversation with patients about what to expect, creating an opportunity to discuss any potential misconceptions. Sharing this information might also have a positive impact on trust and the therapeutic alliance, increase resilience and prepare the patient for unpleasant experiences, and make the patient better at detecting and reporting possible negative effects that may otherwise lead to dropout and worse treatment outcome.

Westin, F., & Rozental, A. (2023). Informing patients about possible negative effects of psychological treatment: A survey of Swedish clinical psychologists’ attitudes and practices. Psychotherapy Research, 1-13.

Conceptualizing Multiplicity Spectrum Experiences

This systematic review explores the experience of self-multiplicity outside traditional clinical contexts. Thirteen qualitative studies highlight a diverse spectrum of multiplicity experiences, emphasizing the importance of individualized, person-centered understandings. The review highlights the challenges associated with oversimplified language and societal stigma, and advocates for more supportive, holistic frameworks for a group that often feels misunderstood by mental health professions. Therapists are encouraged to develop non-judgmental, de-stigmatizing spaces that allow individuals on the multiplicity continuum to explore and navigate their diverse selves.

Eve, Z., Heyes, K., & Parry, S. (2023). Conceptualizing multiplicity spectrum experiences: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy.