COURSE: Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP)

Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is an evidence based treatment for chronic depression.

CBASP is the result of over 30 years’ research and clinical experience by James P. McCullough, Jr, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University in the USA.

• Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is a short-term, structured psychotherapy that integrates elements of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy.
• It is specifically designed to treat chronic depression, which is a type of depression that lasts for at least 2 years.
• The goal of CBASP is to help people with chronic depression improve their ability to regulate their emotions and interact with others in a more positive way.
• The therapist will typically use a variety of techniques, including:
  • Situational analysis: This technique helps the client to identify the triggers for their depressive symptoms and to develop strategies for coping with these triggers.
  • Interpersonal discrimination exercises: These exercises help the client to identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
  • Behavioral skill training: This technique helps the client to learn new skills, such as assertiveness or communication, that can help them to improve their relationships.
• CBASP has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic depression. It is a promising therapy for people who have not responded to other treatments.

If you are struggling with chronic depression, CBASP may be a good option for you. Talk to your doctor or therapist to see if CBASP is right for you.

CBASP Sessions

Session One is usually devoted to reviewing the rationale for the treatment and answering your questions. There is a video that your therapist may ask you to watch. You may both go through a brief presentation that was put together in our clinic to explain CBASP. You will probably be asked to come up with the names of four or five people in your past who had a significant impact on you and how you feel about yourself and your relationships.

Session Two is usually focused on gathering a Significant Other History. This is a summary of your experiences in a few very important relationships that shaped your view of yourself and the world and that influences how you act in those relationships, and therefore what happens to you in important relationships in your life.