Enhancing Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy With Additional Content

The Wellbeing Course was developed at Macquarie University, Australia. The Wellbeing Course is a transdiagnostic Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural intervention targeting symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders. It comprises 5 online lessons targeting: 1) symptom identification and the cognitive behavioural model; 2) thought monitoring and challenging; 3) de-arousal strategies and pleasant activity scheduling; 4) graduated exposure; and 5) relapse prevention. Materials are presented in a didactic (i.e., text-based with visual images) and case-enhanced learning format (i.e., educational stories demonstrate the application of skills) and include homework activities. Lessons are released gradually in a standardized order over 8 weeks. Phone calls will only be made if there is a significant clinical issue requiring therapist attention that cannot be addressed over email (e.g., sudden increase in symptoms). Therapists will spend \~15 mins per week/per client.

The additional Loneliness Content was developed at the Online Therapy Unit, University of Regina, Canada. Relevant sections of the resource will be included at the end of each lesson within the Wellbeing Course. The Loneliness Content provides psychoeducation and skills for loneliness using a cognitive behavioral framework. Consistent with the Wellbeing Course content, the Loneliness Content will target 1) identification of loneliness; 2) loneliness thought monitoring and challenging; 3) de-arousal strategies and pleasant activity scheduling for loneliness; 4) behaviours (conversation skills); and 5) relapse prevention.