“Person-centred experiential therapy versus cognitive behavioural therapy” – Professor Michael Barkham et al.

Given the increasing prevalence of depression, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the NHS Long Term Plan commitment to an additional 380000 adults being able to access IAPT services by 2023–24, there is urgency in obtaining definitive evidence that PCET is non-inferior to CBT.

– Barkham et al. (3)

In this fascinating article, co-authored by York St John’s Professor Lynne Gabriel and building on the vital practical knowledge of our Dr Trish Hobman and Lynne Lacock, examines whether Person-Centred Experiential Therapy (PCET) is cost effective and non-inferior to CBT in the treatment of moderate and severe depression within the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service.

in light of the increasing high demand for psychological services and the importance of patient choice, a focus on the appropriate levels of investment in the delivery of PCET within the national IAPT programme is needed to be able to provide sufficient capacity at step three.

– Barkham et al. (11)

This article has far-reaching implications for those in the IAPT service and beyond, and you can read more about it here.