The BITS Course

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Many of the best professionals working in mental health and related fields rarely sit down for formal 45 minute sessions with their clients. Rather, the way they work is much more suited to informal interactions lasting a few minutes and taking place as and when it is convenient. Unfortunately, sometimes these interactions rarely get beyond the "How are things going?" stage.

The BITS 5-minute therapy approach takes the view that many clients value these occasional, brief and informal interactions very highly. Hence the BITS 5-minute approach has been developed as an interface between the majority of professionals who need to work this way and the majority of clients who rather like this way of working.

The problem with working in informal and short bursts was always thought to be that (a) it couldn't be organised and (b) it was difficult to build up a sizeable effect. The BITS 5-minute approach takes the opposite view and provides the tools to do it:

1. It provides a clear, easy to remember, 6-step process for structuring short interactions. This ensures that every interaction is structured and purposeful.

2. It provides a constant reminder of the 5 key CBT factors that have to be the driving force behind an effective intervention, in a way they can be brought to mind easily and instantly.

3. "When the chips are down." The BITS Course will give you a simple mnemonic to constantly keep you on track, even when working with very challenging clients.

4. BITS provides an easy, informal and verbal (instead of written) way of evidencing the client's progress, and doing so with great validity.

5. BITS shows how to keep proper records to ensure both professionals and clients have the best of both worlds: brief informal therapy that is also properly organised and delivered.


For professionals who have long thought that their expertise is not being used to the full...

For managers who have long thought that they have an army of good professionals whose therapeutic skills are under-utilised...

...we believe that BITS is the answer.


BITS training takes just 2 days. We bring the course to you, and up to 16 delegates (min 6) can attend each course. The cost is £2,875 plus VAT, all-inclusive. (It includes: the tutor, the course workbooks, the tutor's travel and accommodation, registration and certification of delegates, and course feedback returned to you the sponsor. You provide the teaching room and any refreshments.)

To discuss or book, phone: 0116 255 5963, email: office@apt.ac or write to: APT, 1-3 Saxby Street, Leicester LE2 0ND.

BITS: Brief, Informal, Therapy Strategy.
The BITS acronym is a trademark of APT.

Recent Feedback

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“Sometimes as a nurse it is easy to forget how to be a good nurse. This is an excellent reminder of how things can be achieved. An excellent course I’ve really enjoyed. It also made me recognise I do more than I think when working with my patients.”

Liz Hercun, Nurse


“A very well presented and engaging course. It has been extremely useful to learn an informal strategy that can be put into practice with all our patients. The teaching was excellent and the exercises were really useful and not at all anxiety provoking. One of the best courses I have attended – thank you!”

Helen Froggatt, Staff Nurse


“Excellent course, definitely given me a new way of looking at how valuable the short conversations that I have with patients can be so beneficial in guiding the care that we deliver.”

Rachel Maltby, Staff Nurse


“Really interesting course and very enjoyable to do. The material covered is very helpful and relevant to my day to day work. Found the role play and tasks to be really helpful. Great course.”

Course Delegate


“This was a very well organised and wonderfully presented course because of its practical nature. I really feel I could use the intervention in my everyday work on the assessment ward with ease and with an organised approach and confidence that it will lead to some effective and beneficial interactions with my patients.”

Imogen Hutton


“Very useful course, easy to understand and simple to put into everyday practice.”

Lyndsey Heptinstall, Staff Nurse


“The training was useful and relevant and will enable me to use time with my patients more productively, which will be of benefit to us all.”

William Spencer, Staff Nurse


“Initially I was unsure how I would use BITS in my role, however due to the clear professional presentation I feel confident to introduce this into my work. It is so refreshing to attend a course where the presenter is so knowledgeable and passionate about their profession and not just reading from a script. Many thanks.”

Simon Balmer, Technical Instructor


“I really enjoyed the course, found the practical and group work a really useful way of learning. I feel I have leant a lot and will apply this to my everyday work on the wards.”

Laura Chambers, Staff Nurse


“Interesting course and to know that what is done on the ward actually has names.”

Steven Dyson, Care Assistant


“An enjoyable course that can be easily used in my everyday working life.”

Rachel Dickinson, Staff Nurse


“Not only do I feel the course was relevant to put into practice in my workplace, but also it could be used anywhere. It also helped me to reflect about / on myself at home and at work. The course was very interesting and Will appears to make it even more interesting – excellent presenter.”

Kerry Birkett, OTA