https://doi.org/10.4087/LGUD5867">
 

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remains one of the most empirically supported psychological treatments, yet its practical delivery often depends on materials that can feel cognitively overwhelming due to text-heavy design, poor adherence, and high cognitive load. These challenges impede learning and engagement for patients, as well as regulating session structure for novice practitioners. This study explores how graphic design principles can enhance CBT delivery through a visual prompt card deck that improves comprehension, usability, and collaboration for both practitioners and clients for a more intuitive therapeutic process. A mixed-methods pilot was conducted with two novice practitioners who used a 44-card deck across 12 CBT sessions with three clients (n = 3). The cards restructured worksheet content into color-coded, conversational prompts aligned with CBT’s theoretical framework. Quantitative measures included DASS-21 anxiety subscale scores; qualitative reflections assessed usability, structure, and engagement. All clients demonstrated reductions in DASS-21 anxiety scores. Practitioners reported that the visual prompts improved session flow, supported agenda-setting, and increased client participation. Although limited by sample size and qualitative scope, results demonstrate that graphic design can contribute meaningfully to psychotherapy delivery, functioning as an external cognitive aid within clinical practice. The findings suggest that integrating design principles into CBT materials can enhance structure, reduce cognitive strain, and strengthen collaboration between therapist and client. The study provides preliminary evidence for the pedagogical and therapeutic value of design in psychotherapy tools.

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Globalization in Context

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