Intensive Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Introduction

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a problem-focused and time-limited approach to psychotherapy that has been subject to considerable research into both its processes and outcomes. Its central features are cognitive-behavioural case formulation, a collaborative therapeutic relationship, well defined goals and therapy focus as well as session structure.

CBT employs a variety of behavioural, cognitive, and experiential techniques. It is frequently recommended as a treatment in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and is central to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. There are CBT treatment protocols for most presenting clinical problems many of them supported by findings from outcome research.

Objectives

To develop a critical awareness of the key theoretical concepts in CBT and related research
To develop knowledge of, and proficiency in, nationally defined core CBT competencies
To develop knowledge and skills in applying empirically-supported treatments for specific psychological disorders and problems
To make effective use of CBT clinical supervision
To develop awareness of, and skills in, application of recent developments in the CBT field

Structure

The course is of one year duration and teaching takes place on Fridays. Each day includes clinical supervision and workshops. Some days will end with a paper discussion. The course starts with a two-day training event and there will be a two-day workshop in the third semester.

Assessment

Essays

Trainees are required to submit one essay each term from a predetermined list of topics. In terms one and two the essays are 3000 words and will cover topics relevant to that terms teaching. In the final term trainees will select a topic of their choice relevant to CBT theory and practice and submit a 10,000 word dissertation.

Case reports

Trainees will write up two case reports, one during the second term and one during the final term. Case reports are 3000 words

Audio or video-taped treatment sessions

Trainees will present 6 tapes of mid-treatment CBT treatment sessions, two in each term. Two of these will be selected for formal assessment, one in term two and one in term 3.

Supervision of clinical work

Trainees are required to present recordings of their clinical work at each supervision session. They will receive ratings and comments on two tapes each term. Tapes are marked using the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale

Entry Requirements

Qualified member of one of the NHS professions, social workers, counsellors and psychotherapists (others at discretion of panel)
Two years post-graduate therapy experience
Registered or accredited therapist or eligible for UKCP, BACP or BPS or equivalent professional body
Previous education equivalent to undergraduate degree level
Previous completion of an introductory CBT course of at least 20 hours
Have skills in generic therapeutic competencies e.g. empathy skills; forming a therapeutic alliance; ability to engage the client; adhere to a code of ethics
Demonstrate some commitment to CBT e.g. previous attendance at workshops, reading, basic supervised practice, membership of the BABCP
Have employment or a work placement that permits access to suitable training cases e.g. anxiety disorders and depression

Syllabus

Basic theoretical concepts and skills including conveying the CBT rationale, agreeing therapy goals, session structuring, setting homework tasks, using guided discovery, case conceptualisation, assessment and client selection, measurement in therapy, activity scheduling, identifying and challenging negative automatic thoughts, assumptions and core beliefs; role of behavioural experiments, research issues and process issues in CBT
Evidence-based applications to common mental health problems including depression, panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD, OCD, health anxiety, GAD, somatisation, eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome
Advances and developments in CBT including meta-cognitive approaches and mindfulness, application of acceptance based principles; applications to personality disorder, chronic depression, and psychosis.
Using CBT supervision

Clinical Placement

Trainees are required to have their own clinical placement and are expected to work with a minimum of 6 suitable clients over the year, 2 in each term.

Start Date

October 2008 - Duration 1 Year

Fees

Application Fee: £60.00. Registration Fee: £125.00

The fees for the 2008/9 academic year are £6,295 (This includes clinical supervision)