This paper reports on the effectiveness of a brief cognitive-behavioural group therapy intervention for over 50 clients who met DSM -IV criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder. All clients had initially been offered at least three individual therapy sessions prior to joining a “Taking a Step Forward Group” which typically varied between six and ten therapy sessions.
The group strongly focused on exposure to challenging situations related to social anxiety and avoidance. Measures used at the commencement and conclusion of the group intervention included the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, the Social Phobia Scale, the Social Interaction and Anxiety Scale, SUDS and self-efficacy ratings of a challenging target situation, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory.
Based on outcome data, qualitative feedback from clients and clinical observation s, this paper highlights the potential utility of such a group intervention for Avoidant Personality Disorder, including key strategies available in a group intervention relative to individual therapy interventions.