For Whom
Participants will develop a thorough theoretical understanding of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and the skills specific to this mode of therapy. Reference will be made to the work of Ellis and Beck. Teaching approaches will include lectures, modelling and a strong emphasis on skills practice in small groups with supervision.
This is a course suitable for the beginner and for those wishing to refresh their skills. A qualification in a health or ‘helping’ profession (e.g. counselling, social work, teaching) is the usual prerequisite, although holders of degrees such as Bachelor of Psychological Science, Criminology or similar, will also be eligible to participate in our training. Provided that all requirements are met, the Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.
Course Aims
- Sound knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods.
- An understanding of issues of importance relating to the theory and practice of CBT. These include:
- the relationship between CBT theory and therapy
- the use of CBT with a variety of client groups and disorders
- related research on outcome and process
- Competence in assessing patient suitability for CBT
- in developing CBT case-formulations
- in devising and implementing individual treatment programmes
- in evaluating their effects
- The ability to convey clearly the central concepts of CBT and to communicate basic treatment skills.
The Course does not aim to prepare students to teach and supervise CBT. The emphasis is on acquiring, practising and communicating specialised clinical skills, within an explicit theoretical framework in relation to associated empirical research.
Course Description
First practiced in the area of clinical depression, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is now recognized as a highly effective therapy for most mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorders, ADHD and trauma. In this advanced-level course, students will learn how to apply the CBT interventions learned in Level I to clinical (DSM-5) and sub-clinical issues. Today, CBT is also widely used with sub-clinical issues that precede mental health disorders – often referred to as the stressors of the “worried well” – such as perfectionism, guilt, and shame, procrastination and self-esteem concerns. In this advanced course, students will hone their skills to assess the symptoms of these disorders and sub-clinical issues, apply the most effective CBT interventions to treat the presenting symptoms and understand and use step-by-step CBT protocols.
Course Modules
1.Introduction to the philosophy and the historical development of Counselling and Psychotherapy
2.Types of Counselling: Directive and Non-Directive
3.The Counsellor’s Role
4.Counselling Goals
5.Introduction to Counselling Skills
6.Confrontation in Counselling
7.Influencing Skills in Counselling
8.Body Language in Communication
9.Counsellors and Psychologists
10.The Three Major Approaches to Counselling
11.The Psychodynamic Approach
12.The Person-Centred Approach
13.The Behavioural and the Cognitive Behavioural Model
14.Coping with Change
15.The Counselling Questionnaire
16.Dealing with Anger and Stress
17.Dealing with Loss, Grief, Guilt, Depression, PTSD, Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) and Suicide tendencies
18.Cultural and Cross-Cultural Issues
19.Legal and Ethical Situations in Counselling
20.The Importance of Counselling Supervision
21.Counselling and Psychotherapy Case Studies