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PG Cert/ PG Dip/MSc in Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy

2-4 Years

 

Behavioural & Cognitive Therapies were first effectively practiced in the 1950’s and 60’s. As a result of research the majority of therapists now combine the principles from both fields and deliver Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP). The underpinning theory is that the way people think, feel and behave results from learning processes and are interlinked, therefore, people can unlearn and relearn different ways of coping.

CBP has been found to be effective when working with people presenting with a wide range of problems. As a result of the research the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence recommends CBP as one of the main treatments of choice for depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The central aim of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy is to assist people in gaining a greater understanding of the development and nature of their difficulties and consequently develop / enhance effective coping strategies in order that they can act as their own therapist, that is, manage their problems independently. Attention is paid to early life experiences that may have influenced what the person has learnt, but the main focus is on the person’s day-to-day experiences, that is, their interlinked behavioural, cognitive, emotional and physiological reactions. For example: If a person does not think well of themselves and has a tendency to focus on the negative aspects, they are likely to experience emotions such as depression, and this can lead to changes in the way they behave. Typical changes associated with this type of problem are withdrawal from others and reduction in activities. These behavioural changes can then act as reinforcement to the negative thoughts and feelings. Strategies may involve behavioural activation (increasing their activities in a structured way); and cognitive restructuring (learning to develop more helpful ways of thinking).

The psychotherapist works collaboratively with people in the assessment and development of an idiosyncratic formulation of the presenting problems. Diagnostic ‘labels’ can be useful but it is the individual formulation, which drives and informs the choice of treatment strategies in light of the current research. Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists take a scientist practitioner stance, however, they also have to use their interpersonal skills to develop a therapeutic relationship, which is an essential part of CBP.

The aim of this Psychotherapy programme is to provide trainees from a variety of backgrounds with sufficient theoretical and practical exposure to classical and contemporary views of CBP to enable them to become autonomous practitioners. Crucial to sound clinical practice is a training that combines theoretical understanding as a way of conceptualising clinical issues for competent practice. Hence the aims of the academic and experiential underpinning of the course are to:

• Expose students to past and current theoretical models of CBP
• Enable students to develop ways of thinking about, and conceptualising clinical issues
• Develop and enhance their clinical skills
• Increase their self-awareness in order for them to be a ‘reflective practitioner’.

Year 1 is designed for people with an undergraduate degree in a related area and some experience of working with people. It focuses on topics, which the BABCP deem people with a core profession, such as mental health nurse; accredited counsellor; will have knowledge & experience of. People with a core profession should be eligible for APL and commence the course from the second year (PG Cert).

People who have a core profession and additional training in CBP at post-graduate level may be eligible for APL for other modules / stages of the course. Students should be eligible for accreditation as a therapist with the BABCP after successfully completing the PG Diploma stage (based on current guidelines, Nov 2008).

If you would like further information about this course please contact our office.

Click here for an application form.