Cognitive behavioural therapy in vocational rehabilitation with the severely mentally ill: Review, design and implementation

Abstract

Background: Many individuals with severe mental illness want to return to work. Vocational rehabilitation attempts practically to help those with severe mental illness achieve this aim. However, the uptake of services is low and job tenure is short lived.

Aims: This pilot study presents a cognitive behavioural treatment programme to help service users address their negative thinking that acts as a barrier to employment and reduces work duration.

Method: Participants from a supported employment service were seen for ten sessions of vocation focussed cognitive behavioural therapy. Measures were taken pre and post intervention. A case series design is presented.

Results: Two out of three participants completed treatment. Both benefited from the interventions, with one returning to employment.

Conclusions: The focus of the study is exploratory, rather than an indication of clinical effectiveness. As a result suggestions for service design have been made apparent and future research identified.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• vocational rehabilitation
• severe mental illness