CBT may help tackle sickness absence issues

Alan Dovey, clinical lecturer in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and Sharon Wilday, cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, outlined the content of their new training programme on managing occupational mental health problems.

Also, during an interactive session, Wilday explained the principle elements of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

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Although earlier research by the two speakers has revealed that sickness absence only serves to reinforce depression and anxiety, it is often difficult to persuade people who get caught up in events to get back to work.

By using CBT and a range of various psychosocial approaches, you can help change their perception and get some kind of outcome, be it a return to work, a change of job function or even leaving the organisation, they said.

Occupational Health will look at their research later in the year