Write an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings. Explain at least two challenges PMHNPs might encounter when using CBT in one of these settings. Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly, and attach the PDFs of your sources.

Challenges PMHNPs Might Encounter When Using CBT in These Settings

As highlighted in this week’s media, one problem that Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) may face while practicing CBT in a group environment is managing varied group dynamics. Individuals with diverse readiness levels for change, different personalities, and interpersonal difficulties may participate in a group CBT session. This issue is demonstrated in the video CBT for Couples. The dynamics of the pair are complex, with one partner being more resistant to changing their cognitions and actions than the other (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 2018). PMHNPs conducting such groups must manage these dynamics deftly to ensure all participants feel heard and supported. In addition, balancing the requirements of various group members while remaining focused on CBT concepts can be difficult. It requires the PMHNP to adapt their therapeutic approach, sometimes on the spot, to address group participants’ varying needs and readiness levels.

On the other hand, addressing deeply rooted thought patterns or emotional disorders inside an individual during individual CBT sessions is another hurdle PMHNPs may confront, as seen in the video on cognitive therapy and CBT concepts. If a client has been traumatically affected, the PMHNP may need to sensitively help the client through the process of identifying and addressing traumatic cognitions while preserving their emotional well-being (MedCircle, 2019). This can be extremely draining, and the PMHNP may need specialized training in trauma-focused CBT. Furthermore, suppose a client is resistant to change or has deeply ingrained negative thought patterns. In that case, progress may be gradual, and the PMHNP must have the patience and ability to work with the client to overcome these obstacles while establishing a therapeutic relationship. Witnessing the client’s distress can be emotionally draining for the PMHNP, but it is critical to provide a secure and supportive atmosphere for the client to make significant changes in their beliefs and behaviors.

Why Each of the Supporting Sources Is Considered Scholarly

1. Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (2018): This YouTube video can be considered scholarly as it features experts in the field discussing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for couples. The Beck Institute is a reputable organization known for its contributions to CBT research and practice.
2. MedCircle. (2019): This YouTube video can be considered scholarly because it provides an informative and educational presentation on a specific topic.
3. Orengo-Aguayo et al. (2020): The source is considered scholarly because it is a record from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) PsycNET database.
4. Somerville et al. (2023): This source is considered scholarly due to its rigorous research methodology and the fact that it contributes to the field of psychology by evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a specific anxiety intervention for pregnant Black women.
5. Wallace & Sterns (2022): This source is considered scholarly because it follows academic publishing standards, such as peer review and proper citation of previous research.

References

Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. (2018, June 7). CBT for couples [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZH196rOGsc

MedCircle. (2019). What a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) session looks like [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-2WQF3SWwo

Orengo-Aguayo, R., Stewart, R., & Villalobos, B. (2020). Manuscript version of Listen, Don’t Tell: Partnership and Adaptation to Implement Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Low-Resourced Settings. Psycnet.apa.org. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-88219-011

Somerville, K., Rowell, T., Stadulis, R. E., Bell, D. D., & Neal-Barnett, A. (2023). An evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of sister circles as an anxiety intervention for pregnant Black women. 19. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057231185405

Wallace, P. M., & Sterns, H. L. (2022). Considerations of family functioning and clinical interventions. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 8, 233372142211190. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221119054