Emotional skills groups: A qualitative study exploring client experiences of online group work in an improving access to psychological therapies service

Bonnin, Emma

Abstract

Background: Many people treated in National Health Service (NHS) Talking Therapies services (previously known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) have highly complex needs which are not always met by the length and type of treatment offered. Some services have offered emotional skills groups to meet complex needs, but little is known about client experiences of these. The evidence base for transdiagnostic applications of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is growing but further research is required.

Aims: To gain insight into client experiences of online emotional skills groups in NHS Talking Therapies.

Methods: 12 participants were recruited from a Talking Therapies service who had attended an emotional skills group. Semi-structured interviews focused on client experiences and were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results: Participants found the emotional skills group to be a positive experience. The central organising concept, ‘My journey from disconnection towards connection’ is split into three main themes: 1) Finding life hard; 2) Maybe this group will make a difference; and 3) Re-evaluating the importance of connection. These themes are broken down into sub-themes allowing for a more in-depth analysis which revealed the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a mechanism for change.

Implications for counselling psychology: This is the first known study to enquire into client experiences of online adaptations of DBT within an adult NHS Talking Therapies service. Validation, empathy, safety, and emotional warmth were all seen as important and highly valued by group participants. Findings from this study suggest that counselling psychologists should not shy away from getting involved in the process of running adaptations of DBT in a much wider range of settings.

Findings: This research finds support for the idea that the emotional skills component of DBT may have some value as a stand-alone transdiagnostic group. Increased access to emotional skills groups in Talking Therapies services should be considered to better meet the mental health needs of more complex clients.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 13, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11608453
• Award Date: May 28, 2024