CAT is an integrated form of psychological therapy that combines cognitive, psychoanalytic and Vygotskian ideas. Therapy usually lasts between 16 and 24 sessions but can be extended, depending on your needs.
CAT involves structure, collaboration and dialogic meaning making with clients. Therapeutic work is facilitated by the use of descriptive reformulations of presenting problems.
During the first part of therapy, the client and the therapist attempt to get an overview of the client’s presenting problems in the context of their early history. This leads to a formulation of reciprocal roles (in other words, enactments) and patterns that maintain your difficulties.
In the second part of therapy, the focus is on recognising, revising and exiting dysfunctional patterns to help the client improve their quality of life.
CAT is an evidence-based therapy for a range of psychological problems. This type of therapy is particularly suited to clients who want to get a sense of what psychological therapy can do for them or who do not wish to spend long periods of time in therapy.
For further information on CAT, see https://www.acat.me.uk