CAT Training Films 2 ~ Working With Challenging Situations in CAT

A second series of training films ~ Working With Challenging Situations in Cognitive Analytic Therapy ~ is now available to stream. Five films illustrate challenging situations that may be encountered in CAT therapy, to support reflection and debate about possible therapeutic responses. They depict five different therapist-client dyads, and a range of difficulties that may arise, including:

• Working With Self States
• Working with Countertransference
• Strong Emotion Online
• Alliance Rupture, related to values, and
• Difficult Endings

Each film is between ten and almost thirteen minutes long, and shows good enough practice in CAT. They don’t set out to demonstrate perfect or ‘expert’ therapy. Rather, their aim is to stimulate curiosity and reflection on your own practice, ultimately supporting your ‘observing eye’. There is always room for variation in CAT practice, and different therapists may identify a range of options for responding differently. For group learning situations , the materials provide a starting point for discussion and debate on the themes which are illustrated.

What else is included?

As with the first set of training films produced by Catalyse, supporting materials are included as part of a three or twelve month subscription. A document download for learners includes:

• more information about each scenario, from both therapist and client perspectives
• illustrative diagrams,
• relevant literature, plus
• focus questions and suggested exercises for both individuals and groups

A trainer pack includes additional suggestions and guidance for trainers.

In all the films, both roles are played either by qualified therapists or actors with a good understanding of CAT.

How can the films and supporting materials be used?

The materials can be used at any point in learning about cognitive analytic therapy, but are designed with particular relevance to year two of CAT Practitioner Training, and beyond (eg psychotherapy training and continuing professional development). Like the first series of training films, they are mainly designed to be used by trainers experienced in CAT.

Trainers with a background in therapeutic approaches other than CAT may also be interested using the films. The scenarios they show include common challenges in psychotherapy, incorporating themes such as enactments, rupture, threats to the therapeutic alliance, working across difference, boundaries and endings. They therefore have utility for reflection and discussion regardless of therapeutic model.

Individuals wishing to further develop and hone therapeutic skills through personal study may also be interested in subscribing. They would be most suited to people with existing familiarity with the CAT model.

The materials can be used in face-to-face, remote, and blended learning settings.

What options are there for subscribing?

Option 1: Annual Subscription

This option is ideal for trainers or training organisations running regular specialist training courses or CPD in cognitive analytic therapy, including ACAT-accredited Practitioner level training courses.  Other psychotherapy trainers or training organisations may also favour this option.

Option 2: Three Month Subscription

This option is ideal for trainers and training organisations who need video content and supporting materials for shorter or more occasional courses.  Examples may include events on specific topic such as enactments, rupture, threats to the therapeutic alliance, working across difference, boundaries and endings.  Alternatively, the three month subscription may appeal to self-directed learners seeking materials to help support and scaffold their study of cognitive analytic therapy concepts and skills.

Individual access as an add-on option

Organisational subscribers for either of the above options can also purchase direct trainee access to the materials for an additional administrative fee-per-head.  Some subscribers have arranged this as a self-funding option for their trainees.  Individual access enables learners to revisit and review the films in their own time, with added benefits for self directed study.  

Cost

For more details about films subscription Terms and Conditions, click on this link.

If you wish to discuss a longer term subscription arrangement, please contact us.

If you are already a subscriber, stream the films by signing in to your account and going to the Watch Series 2 CAT Training Films page at this link.

To purchase

Go to the Catalyse shop to purchase a subscription to the training films.

If you have any queries or require more information, please contact the Catalyse Films administrator.

Acknowledgements and credits

We couldn’t have begun creating this second series of films without an Endowment Fund grant from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, for which we are grateful. The films were directed by Kathryn Pemberton. The project was developed and completed through a consultation group composed of Kathryn plus Rhona Brown, Mark Evans, Frank Margison, and Glenys Parry.

Local video production specialists Brickoven Media provided technical expertise and post-production support. You can read their feature on the project by clicking on their logo below.

We are also grateful to the goodwill and enthusiasm of local CAT therapists who volunteered to play roles as either therapist or client. The actors involved were:

• Samantha Hartley and Kelly Savery (Working with Self States)
• Jo Coggins and Stephen Kellett (Working with Countertransference)
• Andrew Haley and Katy Hughes (Strong Emotion Online)
• Rhona Brown and Ian Gill (Values Rupture), and
• Clive Turpin and Krissi Bohn (Difficult Endings)

For more information

For further information about the second series of Catalyse Films, or for any enquiries about subscription options, please contact the Catalyse Films administrator.