Mental Health Matters: Staying Up-to-Date with Psychology and Therapeutic Techniques

Tony Brennan

Mental health is a growing global concern that affects individuals and communities worldwide and mental health professionals obviously play a crucial role in improving outcomes for their patients.

In order to provide the best care possible, it's essential that mental health professionals stay up-to-date with the latest psychology and therapeutic techniques.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of staying informed and provide some insights on how to stay up-to-date in this area.

Reading research articles and literature related to mental health is crucial for mental health professionals to stay informed about the latest developments in their field.

I know many of you are feeling burnt out and struggling to find time but it goes without saying that keeping up-to-date with research is going to help you provide the highest quality of evidence-based care to your patients.

According to a study by Axford et al. (2012), 68% of mental health professionals reported using research evidence to inform their practice. Whilst this highlights the majority understand the importance of research in mental health practice, it also shows that a large number of you are not necessarily taking the time to catch up by reading.

For example, a recent study by Johns et al. (2021) found that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with chronic kidney disease. Mental health professionals who read this study can use this knowledge to inform their practice when working with patients with chronic kidney disease.

Now the world is more or less returning to pre-COVID business, attending professional conferences and workshops is another important way for mental health professionals to stay up-to-date with psychology and therapeutic techniques.

These events provide opportunities for you to learn from experts in your field, network with colleagues, and share knowledge and experiences.

I don't think this will be a surprise to many of you but according to a survey by Lomas and Siskind (2014), attending conferences and workshops was the most commonly reported way of accessing information about mental health treatments and services.

For example, the World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies is a global conference that brings together mental health professionals from around the world to share knowledge and experiences about cognitive-behavioural therapies. Attending this conference provides mental health professionals with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in CBT and how to apply this knowledge to their practice.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a critical component of staying up-to-date with psychology and therapeutic techniques. CPD activities such as webinars, podcasts, online courses, and workshops provide opportunities for mental health professionals to learn new skills and knowledge.

According to a survey by the Health and Care Professions Council (2016), 92% of mental health professionals reported engaging in CPD activities in the previous year. For most of you, CPD is compulsory for your registration but if you live in a country where it is not required, it is without a doubt a great habit to get into.

Talisium makes this really easy for you by offering our hundreds of online courses for mental health professionals to learn about the latest developments and best practices.

For example, our Mental Health & Psychology Bundle includes 199 micro-skills courses from the leaders in mental health and psychology for just $99.99. Check it out here

https://www.talisium.com/bundle/mental-health

Seeking supervision and consultation is an essential way for mental health professionals to stay informed and improve their practice.

Supervision and consultation provide you, as a health professional with opportunities to reflect on your practice, gain new perspectives, and receive feedback on your work.

According to a study by Van Roy et al. (2016), 85% of mental health professionals reported seeking supervision at least once a month. This highlights that supervision in mental health practice is considered best practice.

For example, if you are working with a patient who has experienced trauma, you may seek supervision to discuss your approach to treatment. During supervision, you can receive feedback on your approach and gain new insights into how to work with this patient.

Staying up-to-date with psychology and therapeutic techniques is essential for all mental health professionals to provide the best care possible for their patients.

Reading research articles and literature, attending professional conferences and workshops, engaging in continuing professional development, and seeking supervision and consultation are all important ways for you to stay informed and improve your practice.

As mental health issues continue to be a growing global concern, it is essential for you to remain informed about the latest developments in psychology and therapeutic techniques. By staying up-to-date, you can provide your patients with evidence-based care, improve your practice, and ultimately improve mental health outcomes for individuals and communities worldwide.

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Mental Health Matters: Staying Up-to-Date with Psychology and Therapeutic Techniques

The Importance of Reading Research and Literature for Mental Health Professionals

The Benefits of Attending Professional Conferences and Workshops for Mental Health Professionals

Continuing Professional Development: A Critical Component for Staying Up-to-Date in Mental Health Practice

The Importance of Seeking Supervision and Consultation for Mental Health Professionals

Staying Up-to-Date in Mental Health Practice: Improving Care and Outcomes for Patients Worldwide

Mental Health Matters: Staying Up-to-Date with Psychology and Therapeutic Techniques

The Importance of Reading Research and Literature for Mental Health Professionals

The Benefits of Attending Professional Conferences and Workshops for Mental Health Professionals

Continuing Professional Development: A Critical Component for Staying Up-to-Date in Mental Health Practice

The Importance of Seeking Supervision and Consultation for Mental Health Professionals

Staying Up-to-Date in Mental Health Practice: Improving Care and Outcomes for Patients Worldwide

Sahjogita Kathuria

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