Do they practice what we teach? Follow-up evaluation of a Schema Therapy training programme

<p>This study evaluated a three-day Schema Therapy training programme for trainee clinical psychologists. The training used an experiential model of learning, which was intended to encourage the transfer of knowledge and techniques from the learning environment into clinical practice. Using a mixed-methods approach, the training programme was evaluated interms of: (1) self-reported changes in knowledge, confidence and willingness to use Schema Therapy-informed techniques; (2) whether the training was integrated into clinical practice; and (3) the perceived barriers/facilitators to achieving practice integration. Participants – 17 of the 19 trainee clinical psychologists enrolled on the Schema Therapytraining programme – completed assessments immediately pre- and post-training. Participants were subsequently followed-up for reassessment three months after the training. Group- and individual-level analysesshowed that most participants reported training-related gains in knowledge and confidence; these were largely sustained at follow-up, and were associated with post-training practice integration of Schema Therapy concepts and techniques. Analysis of qualitative data identified factors moderating use of training in practice. Findings of the study haveimplications for future delivery and evaluation of training in cognitive-behavioural therapies.</p>