CBT

[bonbons]

Hi, just wondered if anyone had tried CBT, and if so, what you think? My 15year old DD ( ASD/aspergers atypical aspergers)has had a tough year! She is currently out of eduacation awaiting a statement to hopefully take her forward for specialist eduacation however,is at such a low point right now that she doesn't want to even think about starting a new school let alone visit any when the time comes. She is convinced that nobody can help or understand her and that she will face the same problems especially with bullying. whilst waiting for the statement process to complete, I have been thinking that some form of therapy may help her become more accepting of the idea and give her the best chance of settling in and making it work for her, however, there seems to be little on offer in my area. CAMHS have offered to start some CBT sessions with her but have admitted that they don't have someone who is especially trained to do this but that she ( head psychiatric nurse who neither myself or DD are particularly impressed with for various reasons),'has a certificate' allowing her to do some work in this area. CAMHS are not specilalised in ASD and I am therefore sceptical about what these sessions may offer my daughter! There is a little alarm bell ringing in my head! why is it so hard to find therapists with a particular understanding in this area, ideally one who could work with a child in their own home? I have come across the name of one such therapist on a website called ' calm minds', and when I checked my notes, discovered that his name is also one featured on the NAS's database. Would you say that this endorsement is reliable? He is a private therapist so quite costly but, it seems, does take NHS referrals via the G.P. what do you think? Go down the independent route or give CAMHS a chance?

 

Beverley. Cheshire.

Edited October 19, 2010 by bonbons

[coolblue]

I wouldn't give anyone 'a chance' with a vulnerable child. Let alone someone you were already not sure about. There are a lot of misconceptions about ASDs and people with those misconceptions have a tendency not to make the right reasonable adjustments.

 

CBT could be ideal for your daughter since she has specific issues that she needs help with and in good hands she could find it really useful. In your shoes, I would pursue the therapist endorsed by the NAS.

 

If your GP objects because of cost, point out the lack of qualification of the psychiatric nurse, the problems you've already encountered and your daughter's fragile state.

 

cb

[matzoball]

I had my first proper session of CBT tonight, and I say go for it. Already my therapist has identified my problem areas, and has begun drawing up an action plan for me to work through. Already it has been very cathartic as I finally feel I am making positive steps for the first time in nearly 2 years. This reason alone is why I think it is worth looking into - I'm not saying it will work or not work, but it's worth a try.

 

If the therapist is worth their salt they will do a lot of consulting with you, and your daughter to identify key areas (mine being anger issues and meltdowns etc). It might be an idea to have the therapist perhaps consult with the psychologists who gave the initial dx, so as to get a feel for your daughters issues in relation to her ASD as well.

 

Personally I feel that it is worth a try, as this might be the thing she needs to help her. CBT can be very helpful whether someone is on the spectrum or not, and this might help her manage things like her confidence etc in regards to bullies.

[Karen A]

Hi.

If you are considering private counselling it is a good idea to find a therapist who is registered with UKCP.

http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/

 

The UKCP holds a register of therapists who abide by their code of practice.Anyone can decide to set up in private practice as a counsellor or under a job description like life coach.

 

Therapists registered with UKCP include in their information a list of the type of psychotherapy offered.They also include information about their training.

 

A psychotherapist may be able to work with people with AS even if they do not have any specific training if they are able to develop a good working relationship and are open to learn.I think it is probably difficult to find a therapist that has specific training in AS.

I think most therapists registered with UKCP tend to be registered to work with adults.It may be difficult to find a therapist who can work with teenagers.Very few therapists work with clients at home.

 

If the senior nurse works in a job which includes CBT or counselling then I would hope that her NHS trust has judged her to be competent in her role.She will also have to abide by the code of conduct,policies and procedures of her employer.However she may have little awareness regarding AS.

 

If you think that you would prefer your daughter to try the NHS first but will not get along with this nurse you could try asking for her to be seen by another professional.Research has consistently shown that regardless of training or theoretical framework the most significant factor in whether therapy is worthwhile is the therapeutic relationship.

 

Karen.

[Tally]

A few years ago I had CBT with a therapist who knew a lot about ASD through her previous work in CAHMS. It was extremely helpful. Prior to getting diagnosed with Asperger's, I had some attempts with CBT and found it useless and frustrating, and the therapists felt I was being deliberately obstructive

 

CBT can work very well for people who have difficulty verbalising feelings and emotions, which is a common problem for people with mental health problems, and a particular difficulty for people with ASD. It does not involve in-depth discussion of feelings, and it can still be effective if that part is bypassed altogether. Experience with ASD is probably not the most important factor, what is important is a willingness to adapt the therapy to what your daughter can understand.

[bonbons]

thanks for all your advice. I spoke to the therapist I mentioned. He was nice enough but explained that he does not do NHS referrals contrary to the NAS info and that his rate is £40 per 50 minute session. I took another look at the 'calm minds' website and was a bit put off my the readers digest type testimonials to be honest..... Think I may see what next weeks appointment brings with regards to what they referred to as 'the way forward' before dissmissing CAHMS input. Maybe it's me being a bit cynical due to experiences with them so far and desperation to get things sorted out for my DD. Still surprised at how little help is available though, in my area at least....

[Karen A]

thanks for all your advice. I spoke to the therapist I mentioned. He was nice enough but explained that he does not do NHS referrals contrary to the NAS info and that his rate is £40 per 50 minute session. I took another look at the 'calm minds' website and was a bit put off my the readers digest type testimonials to be honest..... Think I may see what next weeks appointment brings with regards to what they referred to as 'the way forward' before dissmissing CAHMS input. Maybe it's me being a bit cynical due to experiences with them so far and desperation to get things sorted out for my DD. Still surprised at how little help is available though, in my area at least....

 

 

Hi.Private therapy is expensive so £40 sounds towards the lower end of the fee range by my experience.Even short term CBT usually requires at least six sessions so it does add up.

There are a few charity projects around the country offering low cost intervention to adults and some to children.There might be something in your area.

 

Karen.

[coolblue]

When Richard Layard recently recommended CBT to the government as the treatment of choice for depression in the NHS, a lot of psychologists went "What???" CBT has a good reputation, but its suitability as a technique depends on the cause of the patient's problem and there aren't enough trained practitioners to support NHS referrals.

 

cb