Psychological Wellbeing Practice

Holly HutchingsSenior Psychological

Wellbeing Practitioner

• 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

• Establish, develop and maintain therapeutic alliances with a diverse client group

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners

• Poorly Trained Counsellors

• Lacking in Experience

• Second Rate CBT Therapists

• Unqualified

• Unskilled

Misconceptions about PWPs

• 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.

• 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

• Expectation that PWP’s will treat 60% of all referrals

The PWP role

Where the PWP begins

• 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.

• Contain risk appropriately.

• Signpost to other organisations including relationship services, bereavement support and employment services, Step up to step 3 therapists, or refer onto adult secondary services.

• Implement guided self help.

Guided Self HelpGuided 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 ExposureCognitive Restructuring Supported cCBT Problem SolvingSleep Hygiene Medication ManagementPsycho-educational groups

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

• 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 weekHelps ensure patient safetyEnsures efficient, effective and ethical practice that conforms to NICE guidelines

Clinical skills supervision1 hour per fortnight (individual or group)Facilitated by Senior PWP who has working knowledge of the interventions in PWP workCase discussions and skills development.

Questions?