![Sample our Behavioral Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110801/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Behavioral-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Objective
This article aims to provide supportive guidance for clinicians using the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression ‐ revised (BATD‐R) manual. Expanding upon key points less explicitly addressed in the treatment manual, the goal is to convey practical wisdom and clinical nuance beyond that available in the manual, thereby enhancing therapist comfort with the approach and improving treatment delivery.
Methods
In preparation for a randomised control trial of behavioural activation treatment for depression among substance users (the Activate Study), Professor Carl Lejuez, an author on the manual, provided training to our research team. This occurred over four days in May 2013 at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Sydney, Australia and involved in‐depth discussion about treatment delivery, often addressing important issues implied but not addressed in‐depth in the manual. Reflections were discussed throughout training and subsequently collated into key themes.
Results
Intricacies associated with treatment delivery were identified. Seven key themes emerged, covering: provision of the treatment rationale; therapeutic alliance and self‐disclosure; behaviour monitoring; values; angles and steps; contracts; and drawing from other therapeutic approaches. A detailed discussion of how to approach these themes in treatment forms the basis of this article.
Conclusions
The current article seeks to guide therapists and provide a supplement to the BATD‐R manual that will enhance the flexibility and accessibility for therapists utilising this treatment. The suggestions made are useful for straightforward cases of depression and more complicated comorbid presentations, serving as a useful complement for therapists using the manual.
Abstract
Funding: The Activate project is funded by the National Health and Medical research Council.
Conflict of interest: None.
Funding: The Activate project is funded by the National Health and Medical research Council.
Conflict of interest: None.
Notes
Funding: The Activate project is funded by the National Health and Medical research Council.
Conflict of interest: None.
1. We limit our discussion here to the assignment of the monitoring. Review of monitoring with the client in the subsequent session is equally important for motivation, but we believe it is extensively addressed in the manual and in a manuscript outlining the use of motivational interviewing techniques when implementing BATD‐R (Balán, Lejuez, Hoffer, & Blanco, Citation2in press)