0091 - Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Course Description
Hours: 36
This foundational course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the core tenets, tools and interventions used within the cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) model. The interventions introduced will give you a beginner's edge in how to best harness the power of this widely recommended and evidence-based psychotherapy. You will learn the structure, session format and cognitive and behavioural interventions necessary to begin treatment across populations and presenting issues. The course will provide handouts and techniques to use with all ages, including children and adolescents, and has countless client examples woven throughout. Through a variety of teaching methods, including lecture (self-read lecture for online courses), intervention delivery and use demonstrations, clinical practice worksheets and role play, you will learn which CBT interventions to use and how to best provide psychoeducation for, and apply, these interventions across varying client issues. You will finish this course with a comprehensive beginner's knowledge about CBT and a set of interventions from which to start helping others restructure their cognitions and behaviours.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and use every core CBT intervention.
- Complete thorough case conceptualization/formulation using a CBT model.
- Identify and use CBT session structure, components and therapist evaluation.
- Use a variety of core cognitive techniques to restructure thinking.
- Identify cognitive styles and distortions and best techniques to help develop balanced thought patterns.
- Identify behavioural responses to distressing situations and how to use behaviour interventions to increase feelings of hope, self-worth and happiness.
- Competently deliver exposure response prevention therapy.
- Use CBT across age populations, with adults, adolescents and children.
READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Participants in the online CBT courses should plan on four to seven hours per week dedicated to readings, discussions and assignments. Participants in the remote CBT courses will be required to complete readings prior to the beginning of the course and assignments throughout the duration of the course.
Assignments can include pre-readings, clinical worksheets, discussion questions and quizzes. Assignments will receive a pass/fail designation.
TEXTBOOKS
You are responsible for purchasing the following textbooks. Both are usually available through Indigo and Amazon. If you are registered for a remote weekend or summer intensive course, please read these texts before the course starts. For the online course, readings will be assigned each week.
Beck, J. (2020). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. New York: Guilford Press. Third edition.
Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C. A. (2015). Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. New York: Guilford Press. Second edition.
Notes
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Prerequisites
The CBT certificate is open to professionals and graduate students across disciplines and worksites. To be eligible for the program, you must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or have a minimum of three years experience working in mental health, education, healthcare or a related field. Contact us at fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca if you require additional information.
To be eligible for CBT Level II, you must have completed Level I (or an approved equivalent). To enhance your learning and ability to apply the material covered in this course, it is also highly beneficial to have past, current or anticipated experience working within a mental health setting. Case studies will be provided for those who do not have access to current/recent caseloads.
These courses focus on the protocols and application of cognitive behaviour therapy. Basic therapy skills (e.g. empathy, active listening, etc.), conducting assessments and setting and working with goals are required for success in this program but will not be covered in Level I or Level II.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Certificate : Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)