Dr Karen/iKEW Education Site

Our professional diploma course on Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) brings together the theories and practices from therapies that have a psychoanalytical approach and uses the principles of cognitive therapies. This is a client-friendly therapy and the focus is very much on building rapport and trust between client and therapist.

The course is a combination of videos and an in depth training manual to cover all learning styles. The student may wish to add CAT therapy to their existing therapy skills or take the course for their self development.

In each session, we focus on core issues that may have affected the client. We must understand the trigger i.e. the event that has led to the client feeling, thinking and behaving in a certain way. Often, issues begin as far back as childhood, and so, the intent is to find the experiences and lessons learned that could be shaping the here and now.

Many therapies take a look back over life and CAT is no exception but the approach is likely to be different. We know that these issues can spiral outwards and affect how the client feels about themselves as well as how they interact with others. The relationship with self and the relationships with others are ever present.

Cognitive analytic therapy can help many people with wide-ranging problems. Clients may feel depressed, anxious, have phobias, addictions, be stressed or even, demonstrate physical symptoms of ill-health. Clients may have tried other therapies but have been referred to this therapy when all else fails. Some therapists will specialise in key areas such as addiction

problems, bipolar, depression etc. CAT is mostly offered to individuals, but it can be adapted to work effectively with couples and in group therapy sessions.