Addressing equality, diversity and inclusion as part of CBT training: a course evaluation study

It is widely documented that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities experience poorer mental health, and have a poorer experience of mental health services. Therapists delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in services such as NHS Talking Therapies Services for Anxiety and Depression, are working with increasingly diverse client groups, however treatment access and recovery rates remain below what they should be compared to the White British population. Previous research indicates that CBT therapists may not receive appropriate training that allows them to develop the skills required to work effectively transculturally. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate a CBT training programme within this context, from the perspective of previous course graduates. Thirty participants took part in an online survey with questions requiring both Likert-scaled answers and free-text responses. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and template analysis were used to analyse the data. The results of the survey were favourable overall for both White British and BAME respondents. Positive areas of practice highlighted included peer learning within a diverse cohort, building awareness of own biases, and reflective learning spaces. Areas of development included increased integration of teaching focussed on adapting CBT models for minority groups, diversification of teaching staff, and reducing fear and avoidance of exploring issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion. Tentative implications for improving CBT training course delivery in this context have been offered.