Much of the more recent research into CAT has been on a smaller scale and has used a more individualised approach. A particular research method that suits CAT well is Single Case Experimental Design (SCED). This treats each individual person having therapy as an individual experiment.
The researcher uses a number of measures which are tailored to the person’s target problems and their own particular goals for change. The person completes these measures at the start of therapy and at several points over the rest of the therapy. This might be at every session.
This sort of approach gives very rich information that can help us understand how effective CAT may have been for that one person. Where possible, they also complete measures over a follow up period after therapy ends. This helps to show how long-lasting the effects of therapy are.
A SCED approach helps to create a detailed understanding of change for one person. However the findings don’t mean that the impact of therapy will be the same for somebody else having CAT.