CAT originated in the NHS and is a time-limited integrated model of therapy addressing a range of emotional symptoms and relational problems.
This therapy model uses cognitive tools and understanding as well as written and diagrammatic descriptions to support the therapy experience of working on one’s problems in a relationship with a psychotherapist.
In particular, in CAT, the psychotherapist will work with you to identify the dominant behavioural patterns developed in response to past experiences and reflect on how they might be affecting your current life.
The therapy task will then be to describe these patterns and work together to challenge the limitations imposed on present and future happiness.
This model combines two psychotherapy models: Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Group Analysis. CAT understandings as well as written and diagrammatic descriptions are used to support and enhance the therapeutic process of the group.
Group Cognitive Analytic Therapy provides an opportunity to meet with a group on a weekly basis with an experienced group conductor. In this format we work together on the difficulties that bring you to group therapy by reflecting on them in the group space.
Using the group experience, unsuccessful patterns of relating to others are recognised and understood and new ones explored.
Group Cognitive Analytic Therapy in this model is time-limited in so far as members make their decisions as to the length of stay in the group in collaboration with the group.
The group itself itself is ongoing with a slowly changing membership.
This model of psychotherapy is of use to those facing personal and psychological difficulties as well as those who want to develop their understanding of themselves and others. The rationale for psychotherapy in a group is that people are much influenced by their experiences in the family, social and community groups in which they have matured.
Group psychotherapy recognises that problems that originate in a group can often best be treated in the same format. Thus providing a forum for group members to understand how past experiences can affect their current behaviour and, individually and together with fellow group members, find a more successful way forward.
