Preferred treatment outcomes in psychological therapy for voices: a comparison of staff and service-user perspectives
Longden E., Branitsky A., Sheaves B., Chauhan N., Morrison AP.
Background: As access to psychological therapy for voice-hearing continues to increase, it is important to understand what treatment outcomes may be particularly valued by those who coordinate, administer, and engage with such interventions. Methods: Self-report cross-sectional questionnaires were distributed amongst samples of transdiagnostic voice-hearers and multidisciplinary mental health staff to identify and contrast opinions on the importance of different treatment outcomes for therapeutic work with voices. Results: Responses were received by 89 service-users and 176 staff members. Both groups showed many similarities in their view of desirable treatment goals, although service-users were more likely to prioritise a clinically focussed view of recovery (voice cessation), while staff emphasised a more psychosocial view (to live the life one wants to while hearing voices). Discussion: Study limitations and implications for clinical practice are discussed, including the value of collaborative goal setting when supporting clients who experience distressing voices.