Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) was developed by Anthony Ryle. This therapy was developed in the context of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom with the aim of providing psychological treatment which could be realistically provided under NHS.

CAT further evolved as an integrated therapy based on ideas from psychoanalytic therapy, cognitive therapy and Vygotskian ideas.

The model emphasises on collaborative work with the client, and focuses on the understanding of the patterns of maladaptive behaviours. The aim of the therapy is to understand origins and recognition of these patterns, and subsequently to learn alternative ways in order to cope better. CAT includes terms such as Snags, Dilemmas, Traps,and Sequential Diagrammatic Reformulation. Recently the concept of core pain has been replaced by Reciprocal Roles and Reciprocal Role Procedure (Target Problem Procedure).

Typically the therapy comprises of 16 sessions. In the first 4 - 6 sessions the therapist collects all the relevant information. After that s/he writes a reformulation letter to the client. This letter summarises therapists understanding of client's problems. A particular attention is given in knowing the connection between childhood patterns of behaviour and their impact on adult life.

External link

• Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Psychotherapy | Cognitive therapy