Cognitive Analytic Therapy•For Professionals

Contextual CAT: Working with Teams

An introduction to using CAT ideas in staff teams and service contexts — recognising relational dynamics in systems.

An introduction to using CAT ideas in teams and organisational contexts.

Contextual CAT

CAT ideas can be applied beyond individual therapy to understand relational dynamics in teams and services. Key applications: • Understanding staff-patient dynamics • Mapping team reciprocal roles • Recognising organisational patterns • Improving reflective practice

Team dynamics

Just as individuals have reciprocal roles, teams can develop patterns in how they relate to each other and to clients. For example: • Rescuing → Rescued • Blaming → Blamed • Idealising → Idealised

Using CAT in teams

Create team formulations for complex patients
Use SDRs in case discussions
Notice when team dynamics mirror patient patterns
Facilitate reflective practice using CAT language