Cognitive Behaviour Therapy High Intensity Postgraduate Diploma

Course structure Module number Module title Days Credits 1 Principles and Practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 20 40 2 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders 20 40 3 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression 20 40

Total days:60
Total credits: 120

Module 1: The fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This module will focus on the fundamental principles of CBT. Trainees will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence for cognitive models, and an ability to evaluate the evidence. The module aims to enable trainees to have an understanding of how scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice. This module will focus on core clinical competencies (skills) necessary for undertaking CBT. It covers cognitive models, maintenance and developmental conceptualisations of cases and the core aspects of the cognitive and behavioural processes of therapy. Clinical workshops will address the most up-to-date evidence for the effectiveness of CBT and provide direct training in applying CBT. The lectures and workshops will consist of information giving, role-play, experiential exercises, and video and case demonstrations; the experiential exercises encourage self-reflection, increase self-awareness and skills acquisition. Sessions will also incorporate a focus on therapists’ beliefs.

Aims of Module 1:

• To develop practical competency in the fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy;
• To develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature underlying CBT.

Module 2: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

This module aims to develop skills in CBT for anxiety disorders to an advanced level, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT, and developing competencies in the specialist techniques applied to anxiety disorders. Specific models, evidence base, assessment and specialist treatment strategies will be covered in workshops on specific phobia, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and health anxiety. The clinical workshops will provide practitioners with a strong foundation in the evidence base for working with CBT and anxiety disorders, and address the most up-to-date research developments.

Aims of Module 2:

• To develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature of CBT with anxiety disorders;
• To develop practical competency in CBT for anxiety disorders.

Module 3: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression

This module aims to develop skills in CBT for depression to an advanced level, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT and developing competency in the specialist techniques used in the treatment of depression. Specific cognitive and behavioural models of depression, empirical evidence, and assessment and specialist cognitive and behavioural treatment strategies will be covered in workshops. The clinical workshops will provide trainees with a strong foundation in the evidence base for CBT with depression, and address the most up-to-date research methods.

Aims of Module 3:

• To develop practical competency in CBT for depression;
• To develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature informing CB theory and treatment of depression.

Taught modules offered include:

Learning within the High Intensity Diploma course is comprised of:

• Supervised clinical placement within the IAPT service
• Academic lectures
• Skills workshops, including skills practice, small group work and various forms of experiential learning
• Individual and group clinical supervision, both within the IAPT site, and within the University
• Guided self study
• Individual tutorials