STEP: Study on Training programs to Enrich and Promote cognitive behavioral therapy

Abstract

This study aims to develop and conduct an efficient training program using technology, such as websites and videoconferencing systems, that can be taken anywhere, to train therapists in psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) for sleep problems, which is effective. Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) is effective in treating insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also positioned as the first choice of treatment for insomnia in treatment guidelines around the world. It is important to address the problem of a lack of therapists in Japan, where medication is the first choice of treatment due to a lack of therapists and research in Japan. Therefore, this study aims to train therapists through effective and efficient training programs and will create a scale to evaluate training, brush up on training programs, and verify the effectiveness of training.

Perspectives

• We will develop a training program that focuses not only on the content of the program but also on how to disseminate effective support.
  This will help solve the problem of a lack of providers of counseling for sleep problems.

• The scale for evaluating the content and usability of training programs developed in the Japanese version in this study can be used in a variety of training programs, allowing for comparisons between training programs.

Comments from principal researcher

In Japan, it is said that one in every five people has sleep problems. It has been revealed that sleep problems have an impact on the onset of physical and mental illnesses. Expanding effective support for sleep problems is considered an urgent issue in modern-day Japan. Therefore, we aim to address the shortage of providers and deliver counseling, which is an effective form of support for those with sleep problems, too many people in need.