The growing waiting lists for psychological therapy, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to significant delays in accessing therapeutic support, but participation in therapy research studies, such as the UniSA’s imagery rescripting study for depression, offer a potential avenue for treatment and support.
Waiting lists and times for psychological therapy have been growing since before COVID, but COVID really accelerated it.
It means many people have to wait a considerable time before being able to access therapeutic support.
I just posted on the revised Head to Health website, where people can find digital tools and programs which can help fill the gap.
Another avenue through which people can access therapy is through involvement in therapy research studies.
One such study is currently in place at UniSA and the Masters of Psychology (Clinical) student running it contacted our service to let us know about it. It might provide an avenue for treatment for those of you who might be struggling with depression.
Details below.
Experiencing Depression?
Study participants wanted:
Imagery rescripting (psychological treatment) for depression
UniSA are conducting a study to investigate whether a 4- session imagery rescripting treatment reduces depressive symptoms & how it might work. Imagery rescripting aims to change the meaning and emotion attached to unwanted memories or intrusive images.
Eligible: Aged 18 or over, experience more than mild depressive symptoms, experience unwanted images or memories
Ineligible: People with diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, whose medications have not been stable for 8 weeks, would be attending other psychotherapy during the 7 weeks of the study.
For more information contact Melissa Sherman at: shemj005@mymail.unisa.edu.au
This project has been approved by the University of South Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Protocol 205339)