Helping clients ‘restart their engine’—Use ofin-session cognitive behavioural therapy behavioural experiments for engagement and treatment in persistent depression: A case study (Skilbeck, Spanton, Roylance, 2020)

Skilbeck Lilian Spanton Christopher Roylance Ian.

the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist 2020;13 11.

Behavioural experiments (BEs) are a major cognitive ingredient in the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model which can be applied in-session or between-sessions. In-session BEs are particularly effective and widely demonstrated in anxiety disorders, yet they remain under-utilised in depression. Clients presenting with persistent depression are often difficult to engage due to the chronicity of their symptoms and their learnt self-perpetuating demoralised states. Research to date demonstrates the effectiveness of in-session BEs in engagement and treatment in depression. This case study details the treatment of a client presenting with persistent major depressive disorder (MDD) with hopelessness and how in-session BEs effected engagement and treatment. This case study is discussed with reference to strengths, limitations, clinical implications and recommendations for practice and development.