Our mission is to bring together research and practice focused on the improvement of mental health and the enhancement of treatment / psychotherapy success. To reach this goal we focus on the following paths:

The development and evaluation of evidence-based (online) self-help programs focused on mental health (e.g. depression and sleep problems). Current programs are: Living Positive with HIV, Moodpep, i-Sleep & BioClock, LifeHack. Collaboration with Caring Universities (MoodLift).

-            The study of transdiagnostic factors and mechanisms of change in relation to treatment outcome. Current focus: Coping and Emotion Regulation (rumination, catastrophizing, self-compassion).

-            Study of therapist and therapeutic alliance (rupture and repair processes) factors in relation to psychotherapy treatment outcome, dropout and treatment duration.

-            Development and evaluation of training programs to enhance coaching and therapist skills. Current programs are: online Alliance-Focused Training, e-learning about Online Treatment Skills, e-learning4coaches (with Motivational Interviewing techniques).

-            Study of the feasibility and (cost) effectiveness of short interventions, for example single session interventions, stepped care or matched care approaches. 

-            Study of content, duration and format of coaching in relation to intervention effectiveness.

-            Study into factors related to adherence and dropout in self-help programs, for example by the use of different Motivational Interviewing techniques, use of AI, chatbots or robots.

-            Implementation of effective mental health interventions and training programs for coaches and therapists.

Links

Our research is strongly connected with bachelor and master courses related to mental health, clinical interviewing and assessment techniques, therapeutic skills and (e-health) interventions.

We are involved in Moodlift a free online tool for students with blended E-health programs to improve mental wellbeing. Moreover, part of our academic staff also works in mental health care settings and we also collaborate with several partners in mental health and medical care.