Hello, I do not need a title page. I need a good paragraph or 2 for each response. I need two responses total ..one to each of my peers listed below. Each colleague is responding to the same question, so their topics may seem similar. 

Respond to at least two of your colleagues by recommending strategies to overcome the challenges your colleagues have identified. Support your recommendation with evidence-based literature and/or your own experiences with clients.

#1:

Caro Anyangwe

Week 5 Main Discussion Post

According to Neufeld et al. (2020), group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to reorganize maladaptive and dysfunctional beliefs about social contexts. Therapy is administered through cognitive restructuring sessions, self-guided exposition sessions, and in vivo exposure sessions in order to achieve this. A patient’s fundamental dysfunctional beliefs are shifted as a result of a realistic appraisal of the experiences they have encountered, as well as modifications to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This leads to a long-lasting improvement. Traditionally, this therapy has been administered in a group environment. Nakao, Shirotsuki, and Sugaya (2021) asserts that, numerous randomized controlled trials’ findings showed that CBT was beneficial for a range of mental health issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, bulimia nervosa, and hypochondriasis; physical health issues, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, breast cancer, irritable bowel syndrome; and behavioral health issues, including drug abuse, being overweight, antisocial behaviors, smoking, and gambling. At least for the short term, these trials suggested that CBT was beneficial for these issues; additional research follow up evidence are required to evaluate CBT’s long-term effectiveness (Nakao, Shirotsuki, & Sugaya, 2021).

According to Gryesten et al. (2023), research has shown that group psychotherapy is just as successful as individual psychotherapy, with about half of patients reporting remission after treatment. In a group setting in psychotherapy, patients can see and learn from one another, feel validated by other group members, and gain social support in a group setting. Although group CBT has demonstrated comparable efficiency to individual CBT and is a suggested treatment for depression, the group format has certain drawbacks. Prior studies have revealed drawbacks such as patients’ unwillingness to talk about personal matters in the group, the necessity for more individual sessions, and therapists’ perception that many mental health patients need more thorough, customized interventions. Additionally, it has been recognized that the rigidity of standardized group CBT poses a challenge, and there is a need to include more individualized treatment within the group CBT and other standardized formats framework. The study demonstrates that, in terms of psychotherapy, “one size does not fit all.” When they are not improving in treatment, patients have different demands, and unfulfilled needs can have a detrimental effect on the group CBT experience as a whole. We can move toward a more individualized strategy that optimizes the advantages of group psychotherapy by recognizing the particular needs of each patient and offering extra individual sessions as needed (Gryesten et al., 2023).

The Psych Exam Review (2019) suggests that, group therapy encourages social behaviors and build social skills. Patients who lack social skills can develop social skills from group therapy. Group therapy can enhance communication with others and improve feedback from multiple sources. Learning how to relate with each other can also reduce isolation making individuals feel like they are part of a community, and group therapy can decrease the feelings of stigmatization as people with mental illnesses will not feel that they are suffering from their mental illnesses alone. Group therapy can also provide a sense of commitment to the members. Group therapy is cost effective meaning many people can be treated at the same time by one therapist. Sometimes cost can deter people from seeking treatment but it becomes affordable by many people receiving treatment at the same time. On the other hand, the drawbacks from group therapy include; because people in a group therapy have similar needs, the group therapist may not focus on each individual’s needs. Also, individual’s needs may not be discussed leading to less focus on their symptoms due to limited group conversations. Getting details about individual’s symptoms might be limited due to time constrain. The group may have a group dynamic that not everyone is comfortable, some people may dominate group discussions and others may not just feel like sharing certain information with the group that they will share with a therapist in an individual session. Due to lack of expression, no one will know the patient’s symptoms. Certain behaviors can also be normalized in a group therapy or it can cause comparison between members which can be counterproductive for the group’s goal. Patient may normalize their behaviors and may not see why change is necessary. Some patients may feel their situations are not bad compared to their counterparts in the group and this can also be counterproductive. People can also learn negative techniques from other members in the group (Psych Exam Review, 2019).

In a study by Guo et al. (2021), it is suggested that, for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, the two most popular therapy modalities are individual CBT and group CBT. According to some earlier research, group CBT was probably going to provide additional chances for a social exposure, reinforcement, positive peer modeling, normalization, and social support. Group CBT, on the other hand, can save medical resources because it is more economical. Conversely, some studies suggested that individual CBT might provide more chances for treatment to be tailored to each patient’s unique needs, and that avoidant behavior could be easier to address. As a result, there is ongoing debate on the best type of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating anxiety disorders in young individuals. Guo et al. concluded in their research that, evidence suggests that for anxiety disorders in teenagers, but not in children, individual CBT is superior to group CBT. Nonetheless, additional well planned clinical research needs to be done to validate these results (Guo et al., 2021).

Two challenges that the PMHNP may encounter when using CBT are cognitive and technological challenges. Cognitive challenges include comprehension and memory difficulties which may sometimes cause lack of confidence in the approach of patients since the therapist wasn’t sure how the patient’s cognitive problems affected treatment. Cognitive problems may cause difficulties and challenges in the patient (Gryesten et al., 2023). Another challenge the PMHNP may face is technology proficiency. Clinicians have an ethical duty to demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the use of the adaptations they use when giving treatments; mastery of the delivery and training of traditional CBT does not imply mastery of technology-driven CBT (O’Donnell, Brydon, & González-PrendesLinks to an external site., 2022).

Conclusion

As practitioners, when providing CBT to patients, it is important to assess which method of therapy is beneficial to the patient whether individual or group therapy. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both individual and group CBT will assists the practitioner to make the right choices for the patients. It is also important to know the challenges that may be encountered when choosing CBT as a form of therapy to ensure ethical standards are observed in the provision of the treatment. This will also help the patient benefit from the treatment.

The references used are all evidence-based because they are peered reviewed journals and some of the evidences are from randomized controlled trials. They all had DOI numbers.

References

Gryesten, J.R., Poulsen, S., Moltu, C.,   Biering, E. B., Moller, K., Arnfred, M. (2023). Patients’ and therapists’ experiences of standardized group cognitive behavioral therapy: Needs for a personalized approach. Administration and Policy in Mental Health.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-023-01301-x

Guo, T., Su, J., Hu, J., Aalberg, M., Zhu, Y., Teng, T., & Zhou, X. (2021). Individual vs. group cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorder in children and adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of randomized controlled Trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 674267. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.674267

Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. Biopsychosocial Medicine, 15(1), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-wLinks to an external site.

Neufeld, C. B., Palma, P. C., Caetano, K. A. S., Brust-Renck, P. G., Curtiss, J., & Hofmann, S. G. (2020). A randomized clinical trial of group and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches for social anxiety disorder. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP, 20(1), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2019.11.004

O’DonnellLinks to an external site., L. A., BrydonLinks to an external site., D. M., & González-PrendesLinks to an external site., A. (2022). Technological advances in cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical practice: Challenges in an evolving field. The American Journal of Psychotherapy, 75(4), 186-190. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20220003Links to an external site.

#2:

Olivia Somuah Oduro

Week 5 Initial Post

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used approach aimed at improving individuals’ mental health by addressing their psychological and social well-being. Grounded in the principles of altering cognitive distortions, managing emotions, and cultivating effective coping strategies, CBT is notably effective in relieving anxiety and depression. This discussion explores the effectiveness of CBT when delivered in group settings compared to individual or family contexts. Additionally, examines two potential challenges that Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) might face when utilizing CBT in these settings.

Comparing the Use of CBT in Group, Family, and Individual Therapies.

The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) varies across group, family, and individual therapies. In group therapy, CBT targets individuals with shared problems, facilitating a shift from maladaptive to adaptive thinking patterns through therapist guidance and peer support. Family CBT focuses on improving family dynamics by addressing mutual influences among members, fostering collaboration, and creating a supportive atmosphere (Omojola, 2022). Conversely, individual CBT offers privacy and tailored interventions, making it suitable for clients uncomfortable with group or family settings. Overall, CBT adapts to diverse therapeutic contexts, catering to the unique needs and dynamics of individuals, families, and groups alike.

Challenges in Family and Group Settings

When Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) across different therapeutic settings, they often encounter notable challenges. In group therapy scenarios, managing group dynamics emerges as a significant hurdle since members have diverse beliefs (Scheffer et al., 2022). PMHNPs must navigate a diverse array of participant personalities and communication styles, ensuring equitable participation and constructive engagement while addressing any conflicts or disruptions that arise. Maintaining a balance between fostering a supportive group atmosphere and steering discussions toward therapeutic objectives requires adept facilitation skills and a keen awareness of interpersonal dynamics.

In the context of family therapy, PMHNPs frequently confront issues of family resistance and conflict. Some family members may exhibit reluctance or skepticism towards therapy, while others may struggle to acknowledge and address underlying family issues. Intra-family conflicts, communication barriers, and power dynamics can further complicate the therapeutic process, impeding effective collaboration and progress (Daks & Rogge, 2020). PMHNPs must employ sensitivity and tact in navigating these challenges, fostering trust, promoting open communication, and facilitating constructive dialogue among family members.

Conclusion

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers valuable benefits across group, family, and individual therapy settings, though each presents unique challenges for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Managing group dynamics in therapy groups and navigating resistance within families are key hurdles. Despite these challenges, CBT remains a cornerstone of psychiatric mental health practice, offering effective strategies for improving individual and familial well-being. With careful navigation of these obstacles, PMHNPs can leverage CBT to promote positive outcomes and enhance the mental health of their clients.

References

Daks, J. S., & Rogge, R. D. (2020). Examining the correlates of psychological flexibility in romantic relationship and family dynamics: A meta-analysis. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18, 214-238. NB- This is scholarly due to its publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science and its utilization of a meta-analytical approach, reflecting rigorous academic standards and comprehensive synthesis of existing research.

Omojola, I. S. (2022). Nurses’ Knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Treatment for Schizophrenia (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). NB-This resource is scholarly since  it represents original research conducted as part of a doctoral program at Walden University, demonstrating the author’s academic expertise and contribution to the field.

Scheffer, M., Borsboom, D., Nieuwenhuis, S., & Westley, F. (2022). Belief traps: Tackling the inertia of harmful beliefs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(32), e2203149119. NB: This article is considered scholarly because it appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious peer-reviewed journal known for publishing high-quality research, indicating that the study underwent rigorous evaluation by experts in the field prior to publication.