Spiritually Augmented Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To describe spiritually augmented cognitive behaviour therapy (SACBT) and its applications. Methods: The background for the need to incorporate spirituality into therapy is considered, and SACBT as a therapy for sustaining mental health and functional recovery is described. Cognitive and behavioural components are considered, including the use of existential techniques in discovering meaning. The use of meditation and the validation and incorporation of the appropriate belief system of patients into their treatment are described. Results: Controlled studies have demonstrated 16-session SACBT to be beneficial in extinguishing hopelessness and despair, improving treatment collaboration, reducing relapse rates and enhancing functional recovery. Conclusion: SACBT can aid therapists in providing ‘whole person’ care and achieving better global outcomes for patients with psychological illness.