About the authors: Dr James Woollard is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist. He has held national policy development roles, and has taught and presented widely on technology in mental healthcare. From early career training in neuro-linguistic programming, he has developed an interest in advanced communication skills and the link with therapeutic techniques. Dr Josie Jenkinson is currently a higher specialist trainee in old age psychiatry. She is a past Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Psychiatric Trainees' Committee and is currently completing a PhD in service evaluation. She has taught extensively at undergraduate and postgraduate level. James and Josie developed the 'Core Adaptive Skills for CASC' course currently run at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.