COMM-CBTF - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Fundamental Skills
Course Description
This course will cover the main theoretical principles and interventions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is one of the most recognized and widely practised empirically validated therapies. This course focuses on teaching the most current CBT theory and interventions in a structured, systematic format. You will start with basic theory, learn how to conceptualize your clients' problems and use your CBT-based conceptualization to develop effective interventions. You will learn fundamental conceptual and intervention skills that are applicable to clients with a wide variety of problems including depression and anxiety, as well as other problems that clients bring to counselling.
This course is developed for the professional interested in:
- Learning about cognitive behaviour therapy in a structured setting that focuses on theoretical understanding, skill development and application.
- Learning how to conceptualize client challenges for interventions to be based on a clinical formulation.
- Learning cognitive behavioural interventions in a step-by-step manner, with structured skills practice that break down complex interventions into specific and concrete skills.
Course Outline
Course Objectives:
- Review current research on CBT and identify the relationship between research and effective CBT interventions
- Develop knowledge and skills for understanding client challenges within a CBT theoretical framework
- Utilize CBT conceptualization to decide which intervention(s) would be most helpful for your client
- Effectively use cognitive interventions including:
- Thought records
- Cognitive reframing
- Identifying dysfunctional cognitive patterns
- Effectively use behavioural interventions including:
- Activity scheduling
- Graded task assignments
- Problem solving
- Relaxation techniques
Learner Outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
Learners who successfully complete the course will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify the main theoretical principles and interventions of Cognitive Behavoural Therapy
- Develop concrete skills and interventions to support clients in recognizing how their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected.
- Understand how to conceptualize clients’ struggles and use your Cognitive Behavioural Skills to develop effective internventions and next steps.
- Evaluate the validity of clients’ thoughts using a variety of Congnitive Behavioural techniques.
Learning Evaluation Plan:
Methods of evaluation in this course are as follows:
- 30% Asynchronous Collaboration/Online Participation - Discussion/Activities/Assignments
- 30% Synchronous Collaboration/Participation - Discussion/Activities/Assignments
- 20% Reflective Practice –2 journal entries reflecting how the CBT skills can be transferred into current practice.
- 20% Final Assignment – Case Conceptualization/Treatment Plan/Implementaions of Skills and Interventions
Total: 100%
Notes
The following two textbooks are suggested readings to support your CBT learning, but are not mandatory for the blended course format:1) Greenberger, D. and Padesky, C.A. (2015). Mind over Mood, 2nd Ed. (Client workbook). New York, NY: Guilford Press. The previous 1995 version can also be used as they are both quite similar.
2) Wright, J. H., Brown, G. K., Thase, M. E., & Basco, M. R. (2017). Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: An Illustrated Guide, 2nd Ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Prerequisites
Course Requirements:
The course requires a computer and online access to the OISE course environment, as well as the ability to connect online to other websites and resources as required.
Learn about the other available Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Courses:
COMM-CBTS-A - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Specialization for Anxiety
COMM-CBTS-CD - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Specialization for Complex Disorders
Amy Warren is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), specializing in the field of Mental Health and Addictions. For the last 15 years, Amy has worked as part of an interdisciplinary team on Inpatient, Outpatient and Emergency Department teams, supporting patients and their families in their transitions moving from hospital to home as part of the Mental Health and Pinewood Centre Program of Lakeridge Health.