0147 - Level II: The Essentials of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with Children and Youth

Course Description

In this course you will learn strategies to unlock the power of the CBT model for the often more challenging and cognitively diverse clients ranging in ages from two to 17. Specifically, you will learn to tailor and apply the CBT techniques and interventions acquired in Level I to a subset of mental health and subclinical issues across various stages of development in children and youth.

Creative CBT delivery methods and techniques, such as the use of play, games, object lessons, sand-trays, and popular culture will be explored and ideas given and demonstrated so you leave with a broad range of interventions you can begin using in child and youth mental health, school and community-based settings. This course is designed to be both educational and fun!

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Understand the importance of cognitive behavioural play therapy and have ideas and tools you can begin using immediately in sessions with clients of all ages and stages of cognitive development.
• Complete thorough case conceptualization/formulation using a CBT model with children, adolescents and the entire family system. 
• Become competent using proper screens and measurements for initial assessment and ongoing symptom surveillance with clients, caregivers and secondary supports. 
• Gain knowledge of CBT protocols for the most commonly experienced DSM5 disorders and a variety of subclinical issues children and adolescents experience, including depression, suicidality, anxiety disorders, OCD, anger, ADHD, self-harm and self-identity, etc., all within a play-based and creative framework of application. 
• Conceptualize mental health symptoms in terms of behavioural presentation and apply a variety of behaviour modification interventions.
• Gain an effective understanding of the various attachment styles and how caring behaviours can be used to foster secure attachments and further mental health coping in children and adolescents. 
• Understand the influence of caregivers on the maintenance of mental health symptoms in their children, and what roles caregivers can take within the therapy process.

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 the readings prior to the beginning 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 textbook, available through Indigo and Amazon. If you are registered for a remote weekend or summer intensive course, please read the text before the course starts. For the online course, readings will be assigned each week.

Chu, B., C. & Pimentel, S., S. (2023). CBT treatment plans and interventions for depression and anxiety disorders in youth. Guilford Publications: New York, NY. 

Young, S & Smith, J. (2017). Helping children with ADHD: A CBT guide for practitioners, parents and teachers. John Wiley & Sons, Inc: Hoboken, NJ.

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Remote: 548-889-5128
Online: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Certificate : Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)