Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies – Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT) (Newcastle) – CNTW113

What is Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT)?

In CAT we look beyond the diagnosis and symptoms to understand the whole picture of life and how someone has adapted and survived.

People who engage with CAT often find it most helpful when they have a desire to explore and understand current, and historical, relationships (both with themselves and others).

At the heart of CAT is the therapeutic relationship which is seen as central for making sense of difficulties and working towards change. CAT is a collaborative, structured and time-limited therapy with the client’s agreed goal at the centre.

You can find more information on these links:

• What is Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)? – CNTW Patient information leaflet
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) – Introducing the CNTW CAT Service – Patient information leaflet
• All about Cognitive Analytic Therapy – information from the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Who is Cognitive Analytical Therapy for?

CAT can be used with people with many types of psychological problems, but is particularly suitable for people with:

• Repeating patterns in relationships that cause difficulties (with self and/or others).
• People who might meet the criteria for a diagnosis of personality disorder.
• People who use coping strategies that can be harmful (e.g. overdosing or self-harming).
• Multiple problems and diagnoses.
• Complex trauma (e.g. resulting from sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse).
• When the person has struggled to benefit from previous therapeutic interventions, for instance due to feeling “stuck” with making changes, or due to difficulties forming a working partnership.

Engaging in CAT requires a commitment on behalf of both the therapist and the client who set out to work together. For people to gain the most from CAT, timing is important. As such starting CAT may not be the best option in the following circumstances:

• Those receiving, or referred for another psychological treatment at the same time. Or who have recently completed another therapy (where some time may be needed to make use of the previous therapy).
• Where excessive use of alcohol or drugs may interfere with therapeutic change. A period of stability free from substances may be necessary before referral.
• People who are acutely unwell to the degree that it may interfere with their capacity to undertake therapy.
• Where there is a sufficiently high degree of risk that might suggest therapy is unsafe in a community setting.

How can I get referred?

Information about referrals, including the referral form, are on our main Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies page.