Difficulties Faced by Mental Health Professionals in Conducting CBCT in Pakistani Society: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the difficulties faced by mental health professionals in conducting cognitive behavioral couple therapy with Pakistani couples showing marital dissatisfaction. Study Design: Transcendental Phenomenological study. Place and Duration of the Study: Study conducted during the course of one year period in the Armed forces institute of mental health, Rawalpindi Pakistan. Method: In depth semi structured interviews were conducted with 3 psychologists and 2 psychiatrists working in Armed Forces institute of Mental Health, Pakistan. Results: All mental health professionals conducting CBCT with Pakistani couples reported need for cultural adaptation of CBCT manuals for usage in Pakistani society. Although they were not able to elicit on these details, however four major underlying themes were revealed through thematic content analysis: obstacles in conducting CBCT, issues related to treatment module (CBCT), participation of the family members and behavioral changes observed in therapy. Conclusions: For CBCT to be acceptable in Pakistan, numerous cultural adaptations need to be taken into consideration relating to patient’s knowledge and belief about therapy itself and factors related to services provided by mental health professionals. In depth interviews with mental health professionals can provide us with clear guidelines of development of CBCT in accordance to the needs of Pakistani couples. Keywords: CBCT, Marital dissatisfaction, mental health professionals