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Translated article:Theory-Practice Networks for Training in Behavioral Therapy: Training, Self-Discovery and Integration into Treatment Using Mindfulness as an Example
journal contribution
posted on 2017-06-09, 07:54 authored by Johannes Mander, Paula Kröger, Paul Blanck, Manuela Call, Hinrich Bents, Thomas HeidenreichBackground: The modules that make up theoretical and practical
training in behavioral therapy often bear little relationship to
one another. Training, practice intervals, and integration into relevant
therapeutic interventions need to be interlinked more
closely. This manuscript describes an attempt to address this
topic by investigating mindfulness interventions. Method: Mindfulness
workshops with intervals for self-discovery were facilitated
by 27 therapy instructors. Building on this, standardized session-
introducing interventions with mindfulness elements were
integrated into the training therapy in 36 patients. The program
was analyzed in terms of acceptance, feasibility, and effectiveness.
Analyses of variance were used to compare the symptom
reduction (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Brief Symptom Inventory
(BSI)) achieved between the first session and the 15th
session against that of a control group consisting of patients receiving
standard treatment. Results: Positive experiences of
mindfulness were disclosed during qualitative interviews. In general,
the acceptance and feasibility of the theory-practice network
was rated as high. According to statements made by the therapy
instructors, meaningful interfaces were established between theoretical
and practical training. In terms of symptom reduction,
patients in the mindfulness group and the group receiving standard
treatment showed similar results; there were no significant
variances in this respect. Conclusion: The combination of mindfulness
workshops and opening exercises building on these was
found to be meaningful, but the effects were not clinically stronger
than those achieved by standard treatment. Future research
should aim to investigate theory-practice networks in other areas
(e.g., Progressive Muscle Relaxation, compassion). Here, clinically
relevant effects may be identified in addition to the positive
findings on acceptance and feasibility.
