Level 3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Diploma

Level 3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Diploma Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to the CBT approach

The first module provides background and historical information relevant to CBT, tracking its emergence and development over time. It examines how CBT is contextualised in the mental health and other therapeutic professional environments. It also looks at the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how this is relevant to the delivery of positive experience within wide ranging therapy programmes.

Module 2: CBT skills

This module identifies and examines core and specialist skills needed to deliver CBT effectively. Students will gain understanding of essential skills and their application. The module also addresses the different phases of exploration of clients’ problems. Appropriate questioning techniques that facilitate helpful client interaction are described. The module also identifies the creation and maintenance of the working bond between therapists and clients.

Module 3: Assessment

This module discusses important features of client assessment. Students are shown essential concepts within case formulation, standardisation criteria, and elements of aims and goals. The evaluation of assessment outcomes is also examined in depth. The module emphasises the importance of presenting relevant information in a logical way, with clear examples and case studies to demonstrate the process.

Module 4: Depression and CBT

This module investigates how CBT can be used in the treatment of depression. It refers to the central nervous system, and describes the different types of depression that exist. It includes case studies and related programmes that help students to understand how the assessment process relates to the specific therapy.

Module 5: Psychological problems and CBT

This module examines several common psychological disorders and how the therapist can apply CBT in practical terms to their treatment. Conventional treatment options are also discussed. Case studies and related specific CBT programmes demonstrate appropriate skills for use with these individuals.

Module 6: Anxiety problems and CBT

This module highlights a range of different anxiety states, focusing on biological, physical and environmental causes and associated symptoms and behaviours that may accompany these states. The module applies the principles of CBT skills in order to facilitate positive change.

Module 7: Personality disorders and CBT

The module explores various commonly known personality disorders, and focuses on associated maladaptive behaviours and how these are created and maintained. Students gain understanding of how CBT can bring positive changes and the techniques that are involved.

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. Students gain insight into the construction of thoughts and how information is processed. Skinner’s model – relating to irrational thoughts – is outlined.

Module 9: Anger management and CBT

In this module, students learn about different types of anger, and how past experiences can influence and maintain the anger cycle. Within anger management, violent behaviour is included, and this module looks 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 examines forensic CBT, and settings such as the criminal justice environment, the National Health Service (NHS), community therapy and other more unusual settings for CBT. There are clear examples and discussion of a range of cases to demonstrate effectiveness and skills.