Reported use of CBT techniques and their targets among Australian mental health practitioners: a mixed methods study

Background Mental health practitioners of cognitive and behaviour therapies (CBTs) have an ethical obligation to select evidence-based techniques. Little data are available on which techniques are used and whether technique use varies as a function of a therapist’s theoretical orientation.Aim The study explored the use of CBT techniques among a diverse sample of Australian mental health practitioners (MHPs). The focus was to assess the extent to which different CBT techniques are used in their practice.Method A mixed methods study was conducted with a large MHP sample who were taking part in a post-qualification CBT training course.Results Of the 2,086 MHPs, 41% (n = 864) reported using behaviourally focused techniques, and 49% (n = 1,032) reported using cognitively focused techniques. Self-described theoretical orientation could differentiate technique use. A diverse range of CBT techniques were reported by MHPs in the present study.Conclusions The different ways MHPs used techniques put a spotlight on how different targets may be a focus of the same technique.