title: Improving the quality of cognitive behaviour therapy case conceptualization: the role of self-practice/self-reflection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  CBT case conceptualization is considered to be a key competency. Prior to the publication in 2009 of Kuyken, Padesky and Dudley's book, little has been documented concerning methods for training conceptualization skills and the conceptualization process is usually perceived as predominantly an intellectual process. In this paper, the Declarative-Procedural-Reflective model of therapist skill acquisition provides a route to understanding how different kinds of knowledge systems can be integrated to enhance therapist skill acquisition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen recent graduates of a postgraduate diploma in cognitive behaviour therapy worked independently through a self-practice/self-reflection workbook designed to lead them through a series of CBT interventions commonly used to elicit the information required for a CBT conceptualization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants' self-reflections were thematically analyzed and uncovered the following inter-related themes: increased theoretical understanding of the CBT model, self-awareness, empathy, conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship, and adaptation of clinical interventions and practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A tentative conclusion reached, based on the self-reflections of the participants, was that targeted self-practice/self-reflection enhanced case conceptualization skill by consolidating the Declarative, Procedural and Reflective systems important in therapist skill acquisition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Massey University, 33 Rosecamp Road, Beach Haven, Auckland 0626, New Zealand. b.a.haarhoff@massey.ac.nz
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Haarhoff
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Flett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D003210:Concept Formation; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004644:Emotions; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011380:Programmed Instructions as Topic; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000592:standards*