Oral 03 | Development and delivery of an endometriosis CBT and mindfulness program
Tracks
Track 9
| Saturday, May 16, 2020 |
| 3:40 PM - 5:00 PM |
Presenter(s)
Dr Leesa Van Niekerk
University of Tasmania
Oral 03 | Development and delivery of an endometriosis CBT and mindfulness program
4:20 PM - 4:40 PMOutline
Objectives: The current study aims to: 1) examine the effectiveness of an 8-session group CBT and mindfulness intervention in reducing psychological distress, 2) assess women’s satisfaction with program format and content and 3) produce a CBT and mindfulness treatment protocol that is evidence-based and cost-effective for both practitioners and clients.
Design: An open clinical trial of 40 women with symptoms of endometriosis enrolled in an open-label cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness intervention program. Women completed the program in small group sessions or via a self-instruction mode. Psychological, cognitive, and mindfulness variables were assessed pre- and post-intervention and at weekly intervals. One-month and six-month follow-up assessments were also conducted. Participants completed practice logs and knowledge quizzes during the intervention.
Results: Preliminary findings of the clinical trial will be presented. Data will be analysed using the reliable clinical change index (Jacobson & Truax, 1991). Data regarding the women’s satisfaction with the program content will be presented in quantitative (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)) and qualitative format. Suggested material for inclusion in CBT and mindfulness programs for endometriosis will be discussed based on participant feedback during the clinical trial.
Conclusion: The results of the study will be used to modify the piloted CBT and mindfulness intervention to ensure that it meets the physical and psychological needs of women living with endometriosis that is both accessible and affordable. Development of a self-instruction program will also benefit women located within rural Australian communities where access to psychological treatment providers with endometriosis-specific knowledge may be lacking. Understanding which CBT and mindfulness skills and techniques women with endometriosis find most beneficial will also facilitate time-effective therapy that fits within the current Medicare-funded psychological treatment framework (e.g., 10-sessions).
Financial Declaration: The researchers received the 2018 APS College of Clinical Psychologists Research Grant.
Design: An open clinical trial of 40 women with symptoms of endometriosis enrolled in an open-label cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness intervention program. Women completed the program in small group sessions or via a self-instruction mode. Psychological, cognitive, and mindfulness variables were assessed pre- and post-intervention and at weekly intervals. One-month and six-month follow-up assessments were also conducted. Participants completed practice logs and knowledge quizzes during the intervention.
Results: Preliminary findings of the clinical trial will be presented. Data will be analysed using the reliable clinical change index (Jacobson & Truax, 1991). Data regarding the women’s satisfaction with the program content will be presented in quantitative (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)) and qualitative format. Suggested material for inclusion in CBT and mindfulness programs for endometriosis will be discussed based on participant feedback during the clinical trial.
Conclusion: The results of the study will be used to modify the piloted CBT and mindfulness intervention to ensure that it meets the physical and psychological needs of women living with endometriosis that is both accessible and affordable. Development of a self-instruction program will also benefit women located within rural Australian communities where access to psychological treatment providers with endometriosis-specific knowledge may be lacking. Understanding which CBT and mindfulness skills and techniques women with endometriosis find most beneficial will also facilitate time-effective therapy that fits within the current Medicare-funded psychological treatment framework (e.g., 10-sessions).
Financial Declaration: The researchers received the 2018 APS College of Clinical Psychologists Research Grant.
Biography
Dr Leesa Van Niekerk is a clinical psychologist and teaches and supervises postgraduate psychology students in the School of Medicine (Division of Psychology) at the University of Tasmania. Her research and supervision focus on women’s health, endometriosis and other forms of persistent pelvic pain, intimate relationships, PCOS, and self/body compassion. Leesa has worked as a clinical psychologist across a variety of private and government settings in Tasmania and Western Australia and is currently working as a private practitioner at Eternal Women’s Health in Hobart, Tasmania. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and the APS Clinical College. Leesa is passionate about access to affordable allied health care services for women with Endometriosis and other forms of persistent pelvic pain, particularly for women living in rural communities.
Dr Emma Richardson
Oral 03 | Development and delivery of an endometriosis CBT and mindfulness program
4:40 PM - 5:00 PMBiography
Dr Emma Richardson graduated with a PhD in Psychology in August 2017 and a Master of Psychology (Clinical) in December 2018 from the University of Tasmania. Emma is currently working in Hobart as a psychologist and clinical psychology registrar at both Eternal Women’s Health and the Salvation Army Bridge Treatment and Recovery Service. Emma’s main research interests involve exploring the links between physical illnesses and mental health, with her PhD investigating relationships between cancer, anxiety, and depression. More practically, Emma enjoys working across a number of areas, including psycho-oncology, perinatal mental health, women’s health, substance dependence, complex trauma, and a number of other physical and/or mental health difficulties.
