In this guest blog, Dr Peter Taylor outlines some thoughts on the place of research on CAT, and shares news of new trial therapist opportunities in the North West and Yorkshire.
Research and Cognitive Analytic Therapy
There are many reasons why we should concern ourselves with research into CAT. Perhaps the most immediate is that, through evidencing the effectiveness of CAT, treatment guidelines can be updated to recommend it. This in turn encourages greater support and implementation of CAT within the NHS. Without supporting evidence, clinicians working within the NHS will increasingly be expected to apply other approaches. Opportunities to use CAT may diminish, limiting options for both practitioners and patients.
Beyond this practical concern though, there are other, more fundamental reasons for why research matters. I would argue that we owe it to our patients to stay curious, to seek to better understand where CAT can be helpful, and for whom. Likewise we should aim to evaluate where and how other approaches may be better placed to help. Given that research matters, it is positive that we are seeing steady progress in terms of research investigating CAT.
Relational approaches to treating self-harm
The RELATE trial (relational approaches to treating self-harm) was the first NIHR funded trial of CAT. We have now completed it, and are just working on publishing the associated papers. This was a feasibility trial looking at 8-session CAT as an intervention for self-harm in adults. In brief the results are positive, supporting the feasibility of evaluating CAT within a trial context. They indicate that this approach holds promise and warrants further evaluation. Through our work on RELATE I have heard from other clinicians and researchers across the UK who are exploring opportunities for further research into CAT, which is encouraging.
In other positive news we have successfully secured funding for another feasibility trial of 8-session CAT for self-harm. The trial is specific to young people aged 13 to 17 years. This is an important group, as we know self-harm often has its onset in adolescence. There is an opportunity here for early intervention that may lead to lasting change. We also know that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are often encountering high rates of self-harm and in need of therapies that can help support young people struggling with such experiences. The trial is imaginatively called RELATE-YP (Relational Approach to Working with Young People who Self-Harm). It is due to begin in December 2025.
Bringing an opportunity to fruition
These recent funding successes, whilst modest in scale when it comes to trials, suggest that funders are increasingly open to research into CAT. Obtaining funding is one thing though. The challenge we have now, to successfully set up and run this trial, is no mean feat. We will require trial therapists to help deliver the therapy who are:
- CAT trained, or
- have at least completed one year of CAT training, alongside
- experience working with young people
We will employ a trial therapist for a day a week in each of the three sites:
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, and
- Rotherham, Doncaster, and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Acting in a trial therapist role can be a great opportunity for a clinician. You receive focused training and supervision in delivering CAT within this particular context. We are also aware that life happens, and people come and go from these roles for various reasons. Consequently, we also need an idea of others in the area who might be interested in a trial therapist role. If we find ourselves short of a therapist for any reason, we would look to willing others to potentially step in and pick up some cases.
So, I am finishing this blog with a call to action of sorts: If you work in one of the Trusts mentioned above and might be interested in the trial therapist role, please do get in touch.
You can contact Peter Taylor via peter.taylor-2@manchester.ac.uk
