Unified Protocol: A transdiagnostic approach
Emotional disorders like anxiety and depression are a major public health challenge. While many effective treatments target specific diagnoses, it is time-consuming for therapists to learn many different treatment manuals. Moreover, people seeking help often have multiple overlapping difficulties at the same time.
Main content
The Unified Protocol (UP) is an innovative transdiagnostic treatment focusing on common challenges in mental disorders, particularly emotion regulation. It equips individuals with skills to better understand and manage emotions, helping them live as they wish for and value. Internationally, there are over 70 clinical studies showing that UP is effective for anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, and quality of life. Here is a Norwegian introductory article on UP.
Who are we?
We are a team of psychology specialists and researchers at the Institute of Clinical Psychology. We have extensive experience with clinical studies on outcomes and processes in various types of psychological treatments. Our work is dedicated to advancing knowledge about the emotional challenges underlying various mental disorders. As certified therapists and instructors in the UP, we are qualified to supervise and certify others in the model. We also offer regular introductory courses for students and professionals.
Our research
The Bergen UP Research Lab studies the effects and processes of the UP, using a broad methodological approach - from psychophysiological measures to qualitative interviews.
We have completed a feasibility study in our clinic at the University of Bergen (UiB) where we examined outcomes and participant experiences using a mixed-methods design. Currently, we are planning a larger scale study to investigate outcomes in UP in a Norwegian context. This includes exploring potential effective processes within the treatment, such as psychophysiological measures of emotion regulation. Additionally, we will train graduate students in clinical psychology to deliver UP, assessing whether they can achieve a high level of competence in the model. This study is carried out in collaboration with Helse Bergen as part of the dual competence project, and involves two PhD candidates.
European research collaboration
In October 2024, we participated in the first meeting of the European research network for Unified Protocol (EurUP), with colleagues from Denmark, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Romania. The network aims to foster research collaboration, and to develop a joint EU funding application for a project to expand access to treatment for people with emotional disorders.
Clinical network for UP in the Bergen area
In spring 2022, we hosted the first UP training in Norway. It was led by Dr. Nina Reinholt, an experienced researcher and clinician from Denmark. Since then, UP group treatment has been introduced at three District Psychiatric Centers (DPS) in the Bergen area, and at the student health service, Sammen Mental Health. UP practitioners from these centers meet regularly to share experiences and provide peer supervision.
UP training
We provide a two-day workshop introducing the principles of the UP, with practical training in applying it in a group format. This basic introduction enables participants to begin using the treatment in their clinical practice. To date, we have conducted two workshops: at Oslo University Hospital in fall 2023, and at Alrek Health Campus, spring 2024. Our next workshop is scheduled for March 2025.
Translation of the UP manual
This fall, we are translating the UP treatment manual into Norwegian, including both a therapist guide and patient workbook. We aim to make these resources available in 2025.