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Ten misconceptions about CBT for psychosis

Ten misconceptions about CBT for psychosis
Ten misconceptions about CBT for psychosis

CBT for psychosis is an established and evolving psychological therapy. Historical controversies about the nature of psychosis persist, and more recent debates about the outcome literature lack precision, muddying the waters further. Based on our experience as clinicians, teachers and supervisors, and following NHS and national lead roles, we describe ten common misconceptions about CBT for psychosis. These include misconceptions about the evidence, the focus of therapy, 'thinking positively', and the nature of collaboration and the therapeutic relationship. We refute these misconceptions based on current theory, research, and best practice guidelines. We highlight the need to get out of the clinic room, measure the impact of therapy on personal recovery and autonomy, and meet training and governance requirements. It is essential that clinicians, service leads, and our professional bodies uphold core standards of care if people with psychosis are to have access to high quality CBT of the standard we would be happy to see offered to our own family and friends. Key learning aims (1) To recognise common misconceptions about CBT for psychosis. (2) To counter these misconceptions theoretically and empirically - to inform ourselves, colleagues and service leads committed to ensuring high quality CBT for psychosis. (3) To highlight statutory and professional body responsibilities to ensure parity of esteem for people with psychosis, who deserve high quality, 'full dose' treatments delivered by appropriately trained clinicians, and supported by robust governance systems, just as we would expect for people with physical health conditions.

CBT, psychosis, training
1754-470X
Newman-Taylor, Katherine
e090b9da-6ede-45d5-8a56-2e86c2dafef7
Isham, Louise
19182a7b-175d-4f68-83b7-e17a6236799f
Brabban, Alison
8f7b75ed-ab0c-45f8-8b5c-d6cf7ccf369b
Newman-Taylor, Katherine
e090b9da-6ede-45d5-8a56-2e86c2dafef7
Isham, Louise
19182a7b-175d-4f68-83b7-e17a6236799f
Brabban, Alison
8f7b75ed-ab0c-45f8-8b5c-d6cf7ccf369b

Newman-Taylor, Katherine, Isham, Louise and Brabban, Alison (2025) Ten misconceptions about CBT for psychosis. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 18, [e51]. (doi:10.1017/S1754470X25100275).

Record type: Article

Abstract

CBT for psychosis is an established and evolving psychological therapy. Historical controversies about the nature of psychosis persist, and more recent debates about the outcome literature lack precision, muddying the waters further. Based on our experience as clinicians, teachers and supervisors, and following NHS and national lead roles, we describe ten common misconceptions about CBT for psychosis. These include misconceptions about the evidence, the focus of therapy, 'thinking positively', and the nature of collaboration and the therapeutic relationship. We refute these misconceptions based on current theory, research, and best practice guidelines. We highlight the need to get out of the clinic room, measure the impact of therapy on personal recovery and autonomy, and meet training and governance requirements. It is essential that clinicians, service leads, and our professional bodies uphold core standards of care if people with psychosis are to have access to high quality CBT of the standard we would be happy to see offered to our own family and friends. Key learning aims (1) To recognise common misconceptions about CBT for psychosis. (2) To counter these misconceptions theoretically and empirically - to inform ourselves, colleagues and service leads committed to ensuring high quality CBT for psychosis. (3) To highlight statutory and professional body responsibilities to ensure parity of esteem for people with psychosis, who deserve high quality, 'full dose' treatments delivered by appropriately trained clinicians, and supported by robust governance systems, just as we would expect for people with physical health conditions.

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Accepted/In Press date: 28 July 2025
Published date: 3 October 2025
Keywords: CBT, psychosis, training

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 506629
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/506629
ISSN: 1754-470X
PURE UUID: 34bccc12-676e-45b7-9f80-76e32457c4dd
ORCID for Katherine Newman-Taylor: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-1579-7959

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Date deposited: 12 Nov 2025 17:45
Last modified: 13 Nov 2025 02:57

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Contributors

Author: Louise Isham
Author: Alison Brabban

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