BABCP Conference Open Meeting
OPEN MEETING SUCCESS AT BABCP ANNUAL CONFERENCE
On Wednesday (15 July) local people learned about the benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at a special event held in the Newman Lecture Theatre at the University of Exeter.
The event - called What CBT Does - took place on the eve of the BABCP Annual Conference on the University's Streatham campus.
An evidence-based form of psychotherapy for anxiety and depression problems, CBT is also increasingly used in the treatment of long-term medical conditions. From the alleviation of low mood and excessive worry, to cancer care and chronic pain, from soldiers returning from conflict zones to survivors of terrorist bombings, CBT has been shown to be effective in enabling people to reclaim and sustain their quality of life.
Members of the public from across the South West heard presentations looking at the important role of behavioural and cognitive approaches in various medical settings. The audience also had the opportunity to put questions to a panel of health professionals, researchers and service users.
Laurie Bryant, National Service User Adviser to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), says: "I welcome BABCP's interest in engaging the views of service users. Many of us have had been able to transform our lives and of those around us because of CBT. Giving a voice to service users' experience at events like this is an important step in informing the public what CBT can do. There are a lot of pressures facing families at the moment, not least because of the recession, so it is crucial people know what is available."
Professor John Taylor, BABCP President, says: "This is the second open meeting BABCP has held. It is an important part of our ongoing work to have a dialogue with the public on CBT matters. The local interest has been very positive and the questions submitted showed a high level of interest in how we help people to reclaim their well-being through psychological therapies."