Can self-help therapy be an effective way to reduce general psychological distress and interpersonal problems?
That is a question that Université de Moncton graduate student Margaret Priemer and Université de Moncton psychology professor Dr. France Talbot are currently exploring as they conduct a research project that will assess the benefits of a particular form of psychotherapy when presented in an at-home book format.
Priemer, a Sackville resident who is working on the project as part of her masters degree from UdeM’s School of Psychology, said she is looking for people from this area to participate in the study, which will be a six-week self-help therapy program designed to reduce the symptoms associated with lifelong problems such as unsatisfactory relationships, low self-image or feelings of being unfulfilled.
“Previous research shows that self-help therapy can be effective in treating specific mental health problems, particularly anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression,” said Priemer. “As well, most of this research has looked at self-help using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a type of therapy which challenges the way a person thinks in order to change how they feel and act.”
Premier said she wanted to investigate a form of therapy other than CBT.
“We also wanted to see whether self-help could be effective in treating not just specific mental health issues but also general psychological distress and interpersonal problems.”
The type of therapy the researchers are looking at is effective in treating general psychological distress and interpersonal problems when delivered one-on-one with a therapist, she explained.
“So we want to determine whether this form of therapy, this particular therapy, is effective … when delivered as a self-help program,” she said.
No traveling or appointments are required during the six-week period, only access to the Internet and a willingness to take part in this self-help type of therapy, said Priemer.
“Previous research shows that self-help therapy can be effective in treating specific mental health problems, particularly anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression.” - Margaret Priemier
No professional help will be given throughout the process, but participants will receive, by mail, a self-help book including tools and techniques they can use on their own to help themselves.
The study, which is confidential and free of charge, aims to help people recognize their own self-defeating patterns, understand their origins, and change them.
“This will help identify lifelong behaviours they’ve engaged in that might be causing them some of their problems, and then look at ways to deal with them effectively,” she explained.
During the course of the study, participants must be prepared to dedicate several hours per week on the self-help program and they will also be asked to fill out a brief diary once a week to keep track of their progress.
Those who wish to take part in the study can check out the project website at http://coraldev.umoncton.ca/self_help/ to find out more or to determine their eligibility.
All the information collected as part of the study will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of this research project.
Priemer, who is working under the direction of the project supervisor Dr. Talbot, said self-help therapy seems to be gaining momentum as an effective and efficient means of treatment, particularly as some people suffering from mild to moderate forms of distress face barriers to getting the help they need.
“This is an easy and inexpensive way to access mental health treatment,” she said, noting that self-help therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapy with mental health professionals.
