Level 3 Diploma in Cognitive Therapy

Course review:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach which is used by psychologists and therapists to help promote positive change in individuals; this change is used to help alleviate emotional distress, and a wide range of psycho/social/behavioural issues. These issues and difficulties can arise from an individual's irrational thoughts and belief, or defective learning patterns.

The therapy can be conducted with individuals, families, or groups. The goals are to restructure thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs which should result in the facilitation of behavioural and emotional change in a positive way.

This course is delivered over 10 modules and is based on learning outcomes with student activities and self-reflection incorporated in each themed module. Each module is followed by a written assignment related to the course material, an extended essay on given topics or question choices and concludes with an online examination.

Module content

Module 1: Introduction to the CBT approach

The first module will present a brief history of CBT, contextualizing it within the mental health and therapeutic professions. It will also look at the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how this is relevant to the delivery of positive experience within therapy programmes.

Module 2: CBT skills

In this module students will look at the core and specialist skills needed to deliver CBT effectively. It will also explore and examine the strategies and knowledge base that underpins these skills.

Module 3: Assessment

This module will discuss how to assess a client for CBT. The student will learn about presenting the information in a logical way with clear examples and case studies to demonstrate the process.

Module 4: Depression and CBT

This module will look at how CBT can be used in cases of depression; it will give case studies and related example programmes which will help students to understand how the assessment process related to the therapy.

Module 5: Psychological problems and CBT

By psychological disorders we mean examples such as panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders etc. Again the materials will present case studies and related example programmes which will demonstrate the appropriate skills use.

Module 6: Anxiety problems and CBT

There are many anxiety states that can benefit from CBT; this module looks at a range of different cases and the application of CBT skills to facilitate appropriate behaviour changes.

Module 7: Personality disorders and CBT

Various personality disorders will be examined and explored in relation to CBT and how this approach may be beneficial to these clients.

Module 8: Strange thoughts and beliefs and CBT

CBT can be helpful in addressing problems with irrational thoughts and beliefs by facilitating change in both behaviour and thought patterns. This module will explore these changes through discussion of case studies and approaches within the CBT setting.

Module 9: Anger management and CBT

Within anger management, violent behaviour is included, and this module will look at how behaviour can be managed through CBT in relation to social awareness and events or thoughts that trigger anger and violence.

Module 10: Unusual settings

This module will look at setting such as the criminal justice environment, community therapy and other unusual settings that CBT may be delivered in. There will be clear examples and discussion of past cases to demonstrate effectiveness and skills.

Entry Requirements

All students must be 16 years of age and above.

Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.

Study Hours

Approximately 20 hours per unit

Assessment Method

Final online multiple choice examination.