Is it time we turn towards ‘third wave’ therapies to treat depression in primary care? A review of the theory and evidence with implications for counselling psychologists

Abstract

IntroductionThe current Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) agenda that focuses on the widespread dissemination of CBT in primary care services is considered alongside the emergence of third wave therapies and their role in the treatment of depression.ReviewTheoretical models and empirical outcomes for Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as third wave treatments for depression are examined with implications for how mindfulness approaches can be integrated into the therapeutic work of counselling psychologists (CoPs).ConclusionFurther theoretical and empirical considerations for the inclusion of third wave therapies into the IAPT agenda are discussed with suggestions for further research.