Increasing access to trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy for post traumatic stress disorder through a pilot feasibility study of a group clinical supervision model

Trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TFCBT) is recommended as a first line treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, it is not widely available, often resulting in long waits for sufferers. We attempted to overcome this through a pilot feasibility study of brief training and supervision with a group of mental health professionals (MHPs). The MHPs attended a structured weekly clinical supervision group adhering to a cognitive therapy model of supervision. Eleven PTSD sufferers were treated during the pilot phase. Davidson Trauma Scale scores dropped by a mean of 36.5 points (95% C.I. 12.8, 60.5) over the course of treatment. Group Clinical Supervision for TFCBT appears to have the potential to offer a clinically and cost-effective model of maximizing treatment availability for PTSD sufferers