Reflections on the 10th World Congress of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies: Lessons for African occupational therapists

Abstract

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-researched and evidence-based psychotherapy that is underutilised in Africa. CBT presents opportunities for occupational therapists to expand their practice, for example by promoting engagement in meaningful and purposeful activity (behavioural activation), engaging with a mental health care user’s thoughts during and after participation in activity (cognitive restructuring), and grading exposure to traumatic activities (exposure therapy). However, it is also critical that occupational therapists using CBT techniques culturally adapt these for their practice context and engage in professional development activities to develop their competencies as CBT practitioners. This commentary highlights recent advances in CBT practice and calls for CBT and associated techniques to be made more accessible to mental health care users in Africa.

Implications for practice

• The relationship between participation and mental health is gaining prominence within the field of CBT. Occupational therapists should position themselves as experts in the therapeutic use of activity.


• Occupational therapists using CBT techniques should culturally adapt their practice to meet the mental health needs of people living in Africa.


• Occupational therapists using CBT techniques should follow internationally recognised pathways to CBT professional development, and register as Affiliated Members of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Association of South Africa