Nurses learn cognitive behaviour therapy

Negative thoughts, lift phobias and changing behaviour were among the topics discussed during a two-day seminar on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) recently organised at the Coastline Hotel by the Maltese Association of Psychiatric Nurses (MAPN).

CBT psychotherapist Harry Dodd, from the psychotherapy department of Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK, ran the seminar. Mr Todd explained that the therapy was evidence-based, and research showed that it is time-limited, easy to understand and effective, especially with people suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders.

Participants had the opportunity to try out CBT techniques during role-play sessions using tools such as mood analysis tables and ratings of negative thoughts.

Mr Dodd, who has a psychiatric nursing background, stressed that psychiatric nurses could use the CBT therapy tools learned during the seminar to help the patients they come in contact with every day.

For information visit www.map-n.com.