1: Anthony Ryle

It's a slightly tall order to discuss mind and self in half an hour; I may not try to cover the question. What I will try to do is to outline my view of the similarities and differences between the two models, with a particular emphasis on theory rather than practice. To do that I shall have to assume some familiarity on your part with CAT.

In a general way CAT is both centrally derived from psychoanalysis, and has been busy differentiating itself in certain ways, and in some ways stands in a critical stance towards it. There are clear common features, in so far as in both the understanding of the developmental origins of personality and relationship patterns is central; the common formation of personality and interpersonal factors in relation to others is agreed; and the recognition and use of transference play a central part in the treatment in both models.

The main differences, I think, are the higher level of activity for both patients and therapists in CAT, and the emphasis on patient participation; the use of descriptive reformulation rather than interpretation for reasons which I will come back to; the extensive use of written materials in the therapy; and quite a lot of differences in the way the theory of development and of therapeutic influence is understood. It's those differences which I'm going to primarily try and address.

But just to give you the headlines, for those who aren't familiar. As its name suggests it's an integrative model, drawing primarily on cognitive psychology, cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis. Its key distinguishing feature is the practice of the reformulation of the patient's problems very early in the therapy, usually by the fourth session. Based upon the history, the early interaction in the room, the patient's self-monitoring, and the patient's reading, the therapist is required to produce a letter addressed to the patient, which is in draft and which is agreed with the patient. Essentially it is a re-narration of the patient's s