Psychological
Wellbeing Practice
Holly Hutchings
Senior Psychological Wellbeing
Practitioner
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners
•
Qualified to graduate or post graduate certificate level to deliver
low intensity (mild/moderate) CBT-based interventions
•
Have an in-depth understanding of common mental health problems
such as anxiety and depression and the competence to deliver
evidence based treatment to acquire symptomatic relief
•
Many are psychology graduates, however greater diversity in the
workforce is developing and we are keen to recruit a range trainees
from a range of backgrounds
•
Often described as psychological coaches as opposed to therapists
•
High volume caseload
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Establish, develop and maintain therapeutic alliances with a diverse
client group
Misconceptions about PWPs
• Poorly Trained Counsellors
• Lacking in Experience
• Second Rate CBT Therapists
• Unqualified
• Unskilled
The PWP role
•
The primary purpose of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
(PWP) is to: increase access to evidence based psychological therapies
for people with depression and anxiety within the mild to moderate
range.
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To provide support to patients with the implementation of guided self
help materials such as: Online CBT programmes, Self help booklets,
and low intensity CBT techniques.
•
Support patients with managing medications, particularly
antidepressants, and case-manage referrals or signposting to other
agencies such as social care or return to work organisations.
•
Carry caseloads of approximately 40 patients
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Expectation that PWP’s will treat 60% of all referrals
Where the PWP begins
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Undertake a thirty minute assessment. IAPT recommends that all patients
entering service are assessed by PWP’s. The purpose is to assess the client
needs and reach a shared treatment plan with the patient that is both
personalised and evidence-based .
•
Liaise with GPs and other referring agencies to inform them of assessment
outcome.
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Contain risk appropriately.
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Signpost to other organisations including relationship services, bereavement
support and employment services, Step up to step 3 therapists, or refer
onto adult secondary services.
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Implement guided self help.
Guided Self Help
Guided self help is a process of self learning under the guidance of
a PWP. The work is very flexible and can be undertaken both via
the telephone or face to face.
PWP’s will offer 2- 6 half hour sessions of guided self help. We also
offer group work.
Our interventions include:
Behavioural Activation
Cognitive Restructuring
Problem Solving
Sleep Hygiene
Psycho-educational groups
Exposure
Supported cCBT
Medication Management
The role of the PWP is expanding and recently guided self help for
mild forms of OCD have been added.
Current Client Group and
future developments
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PWP’s work with adults from the age of 18. All patients must be
registered with a GP. They can self-refer or be referred by their
GP or other health professional.
•
PWP’s will work with:
• Hard to reach and special interest groups such as ethnic
minority, LGBT, Veterans, Learning Difficulties and long
term illnesses.
• Individuals with substance misuse issues that are stabilized
within their treatment programme.
We are also taking part in a Diabetes Project alongside a Health
Psychologist. We have had additional training to support patients
with their medication, diet and lifestyle.
•
Supervision and Clinical
Governance
PWPs should receive:
Case management supervision
1 hour per week
Helps ensure patient safety
Ensures efficient, effective and ethical practice that
conforms to NICE guidelines
Clinical skills supervision
1 hour per fortnight (individual or group)
Facilitated by Senior PWP who has working
knowledge of the interventions in PWP work
Case discussions and skills development.
Questions?