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A Guide for the Implementation of Group-Based Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERITg)

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Abstract

Metacognitive reflection and insight therapy (MERIT) is an integrative individual psychotherapy which aims to improve metacognition and insight in people with serious mental illness. In response to limitations of MERIT and the growing clinical demand for new cost-effective group psychotherapies, we developed a group-based MERIT intervention (MERITg). MERITg aligns with the practice and principles of MERIT and utilizes narratives written within group sessions as a subject for joint reflection. Early investigations suggest that MERITg is feasible and acceptable to those with serious mental illness. In this review, we offer guidelines regarding (i) unique features of MERITg; (ii) implementation of MERITg and its seven components; and (iii) troubleshooting challenges and unique circumstances that may arise. We also propose potential active components that may play a role in the effectiveness of the intervention, and which would benefit from future investigation.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 1 Veteran’s Health Administration Career Development Award (AMSM). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Funding

Funding was provided by VISN 1, Department of Veteran Affairs (Grant No. V1CDA2020-56).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin, Joshua Bullock, Joanna Fiszdon, Meaghan Stacy & Steve Martino

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin, Joshua Bullock, Joanna Fiszdon, Meaghan Stacy & Steve Martino

  3. Psychology Service, VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Alison V. James

  4. Psychology Service, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Paul H. Lysaker

  5. Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Paul H. Lysaker

Authors
  1. Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin
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  2. Joshua Bullock
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  3. Joanna Fiszdon
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  4. Meaghan Stacy
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Correspondence to Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin.

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Martin, A.M.S., Bullock, J., Fiszdon, J. et al. A Guide for the Implementation of Group-Based Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERITg). J Contemp Psychother 53, 91–98 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-022-09560-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-022-09560-9

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