Cygnet Hospital Bierley present at British Psychological Society conference

Cygnet Hospital Bierley’s substance misuse programme and its preliminary outcomes were presented at this year’s British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology Conference.

Lacey Johnson (Assistant Psychologist) and Dr Kelly Elsegood (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) were invited to give a podium presentation to delegates at this year’s conference in Newcastle upon Tyne on 20th June. During the 20 minute slot, a rationale was put forward for delivering an Acceptance & Commitment therapy programme for addressing substance misuse difficulties in the context of secure mental health care.

Positive service user feedback was shared, which indicated that the programme has been beneficial for increasing awareness of personal values, understanding the impact of substance misuse on themselves and others, and taking steps to change substance use behaviour. In particular, service users had reported learning alternative skills to manage difficult thoughts and feelings that typically led to substance use. Service users also described an experience of personal growth, such as increased self-confidence.

The presentation was well received and generated discussion among conference delegates surrounding the usefulness of the intervention within forensic mental health services. The presenters finished by thanking their MDTs for supporting the running of the programme, and also thanked service users for participating in the programme evaluation. Lastly, appreciation was expressed toward colleagues at Cygnet Hospital Stevenage who developed the programme.

Share this article