'Stuck in a rut': A case study detailing the application of cognitive analytic therapy with alcohol use disorders

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the outcome and treatment effectiveness of a range of psychosocial interventions in the treatment of alcohol use disorders including, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and brief intervention. There do not appear to be any studies published regarding the effectiveness of cognitive analytic therapy within an addiction setting. A case study detailing 17 sessions of cognitive analytic informed therapy conducted within an alcohol treatment unit with a 57-year-old female client who met the criteria for diagnosis of alcohol dependency is presented to illustrate the applicability of this approach to clients who relapse and for whom treatment as usual may not be beneficial in the first instance. The assessment and treatment procedures are reported and two year follow up data is presented. Considerations for clinical practice are highlighted.

Keywords:

• Cognitive analytic therapy
• alcohol