CBT Misrepresented on BBC Radio 4
On Monday, 9 March 2009, BBC Radio 4's "PM" flagship news and analysis programme broadcast a feature that ostensibly concerned the Government's plans to invest £13 million in providing psychological therapies for common mental health problems experienced by people who lose their jobs as a result of the recession.
However, the focus of the discussion led by PM presenter Eddie Mair became the nature and effectiveness of CBT in treating common mental health problems. The contributors to this discussion were Phillip Hodson of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and Dr Oliver James, author and broadcaster who was introduced as a "clinical psychologist". Dr James (who is not listed in the BPS Register of Chartered Psychologists) made a number of claims about CBT during this broadcast that have drawn attention and comment from BABCP members.
BABCP President John Taylor wrote to the PM editor concerning this matter. His letter, the reply received and John's response can be seen by opening the PDF document below.
| Correspondence between BABCP and BBC Radio 4's 'PM' programme concerning the feature on CBT on March 9th 2009Click the link to the left to download the document |
