There is a growing evidence base for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Here are some recent highlights: 

 

In 2014 a review of 25 studies, including 5 randomised control studies reported outcomes for CAT to be equal to other approaches (Calvert and Kellett, 2014).

 

Another systematic review concluded that CAT has statistically large improvements in global functioning post treatment (Hallam et al. 2020). This study also reported moderate to large statistical improvements in interpersonal problems and large reductions in depressive symptoms. ​

 

Another review explored the impact of receiving CAT. This discovered the tools of CAT were helpful in discovering patterns in therapy. However the therapeutic relationship and forming trust was important in relation to bearing the emotionally painful nature of the therapeutic work (Balmain et al. 2021).​

 

References  

 

Balmain, N., Melia, Y., Dent, H. and Smith, K. (2021), A systematic review of service user’s experience of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT). Psychol Psychother Theory Res Pract. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12305 ​

 

Calvert, R & Kellett, S. (2014). Cognitive analytic therapy: A review of the outcome evidence base for treatment. Psychology and Psychotherapy; Theory, Research and Practice, 87, pp. 253-77​

 

Hallam, C., Simmonds-Buckley, M., Kellett, S., Greenhill, B. and Jones, A. (2021). The acceptability, effectiveness, and durability of cognitive analytic therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. 10.1111/papt.12286.