This paper seeks to examine the feasibility of targeting cognitive therapy
during early relapse, using a single case design. Gumley, White and Power
(1999) offer a theoretical conceptualization of psychotic relapse based on
Teasdale and Barnard's (1993) ICS model of depression. This
conceptualization aims to provide a means for clinicians and patients to
formulate the key psychological factors, which may be responsible for the
initiation, acceleration and maintenance of relapse, thereby enabling these
factors to be targeted should a relapse be indicated. The intervention
received by a case illustrated in this paper is derived from the ICS
conceptualization of relapse. The intervention has two stages: an initial
engagement and formulation phase and, if required, a targeted cognitive
therapy phase. All of the characteristics of traditional cognitive therapy
are adhered to, including the use of structure, problem focus, agenda, a
socratic style, and collaboration. The paper concludes that there is a need
for further research to provide further evidence of the feasibility and
efficacy of this approach.