Specialist Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy

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Learning Outcome

1. The Course aims to provide students with an understanding of issues of importance relating to the theory and practice of CBT.

These include the relationship between CBT theory and therapy, the use of CBT with a variety of client groups and disorders, and related research on outcome and process

2. Possess competence in assessing patient suitability for CBT in developing CBT case-formulations in devising and implementing individual treatment programmes in evaluating their effects

3. Have a sound knowledge of cognitive behavioral models, concepts and methods.

4. Gain the ability to convey clearly the central concepts of CBT and to communicate basic treatment skills.

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Who is this course for?

This course is designed for any applicant who is interested in the area of psychoanalytic therapy, individuals from diverse industries who wishes to learn more about psychology and mental health, existing professionals who wishes to have a structured review of this specific skills or aspiring private practitioners or any practitioners in the area of psychology, psychotherapy, counselling or coaching.

Requirements for enrollment

1. Diploma or equivalent (including English); or

2. NITEC or Higher NITEC (including English); or

3. Mature candidates (≥ 30 years old with min. 8 years work experience) or

4. Other private or foreign qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

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Topics

Topic 1: Introduction to Mental Health and Community Wellbeing
In this module we focus on the common mental health or community wellbeing issues that would benefit from positive psychology intervention and how to identify symptoms and behaviors.

Content covered:
Introduction to mental health. Mood disorders. Personality disorders. Relationship issues. Career and professional issues. Personal performance issues.

Topic 2: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In this module we focus on the introduction to CBT as well as exploring CBT’s application and efficacy.

Content covered:
What is CBT? The Cognitive Behavioral Model. CBT model applied to depression. CBT model applied to panic disorder

Topic 3: Characteristics and Defining Themes of CBT
In this module we focus on CBT’s therapeutic modalities, methods of applications, common themes and approaches.

Content covered:
Scientific & evidence-based. Present focus. Goal-oriented. Learning focus. Transparent communication (Socratic approach, guided discovery). Flexible & individualized. CBT case formulation. Step-wise progression. Brevity. Collaborative (treatment planning & agenda setting).

Topic 4: Applied Cognitive Strategies
In this module we focus on samples of cognitive strategies that are effective and useful for therapy. Emphasis on applied approach with supporting theory.

Content covered:
Thought Record. 3Cs. Evidence Record. Downward Arrow Exploration of Automatic Thoughts, Assumptions & Core Beliefs. Applied Practice to Challenge Core Belief System.

Topic 5: Applied Behavioral Strategies
In this module we focus on samples of behavioral strategies that are effective and useful for therapy. Emphasis on applied approach with supporting theory.

Content covered:
Behavioral activation/activity monitoring & scheduling. Pleasure predicting experiments. Relaxation training, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization. Exposure. Communication skills training, assertiveness skills training, role-playing

Topic 6: Extension of CBT
In this module we will explore the extension therapies that can be applied in collaboration with CBT for effective outcome.

Content covered:
Mindfulness-based meditation. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Coping Style Formulation. Case formulation. Worry exploration. ABC Functional Analysis. Dysfunctional Thought Records. Fact checking. Cognitive Restructuring.

Topic 7: Professional Ethics
In this final module we will define and identify the professional standards and ethics expected from professional therapists and practitioners.

Content covered:
Confidentiality. Dual Relationship. Informed Consent. Transference. Counter Transference. Therapeutic Relationship. Issues in Professional Practice.

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What this course is not

This course is not a substitute for postgraduate qualifications to be a professional counsellor or psychologist. You will need to reach out to your respective governing bodies to achieve that. In Singapore, to be a professional counsellor or psychologist will require Masters degree and above, supervised practice of at least 600 (counsellor) hours or 1000 hours (for psychologist), and registration, licensing or chartership. Overseas, the requirements are more stringent and demanding. Please contact your local regulating bodies about this.

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Duration of course

Total course duration is 24 hours and can be completed at the learner’s own pace, be it within a day or over several months. For busy adults, pre-recorded lectures are available; as such, the course can be attempted at the learner’s personal schedules.

For questions and guidance about the course content, our LMS system allows for learners to post their questions on the LMS learning wall, and a tutor will answer those queries to clarify the learner pointers.

How is this course delivered?

This course is delivered face-to-face (in person or via virtual environment) and supplemented via our e-learning portal, and through pre-recorded lectures for ease of accessibility.

Professional Membership and Certifications

Graduates from our programme are eligible to apply for the membership and registration status with:

1. Complimentary Medical Association UK (CMA UK).
2. International Association of Therapists (IAOTH).

For the Member status.

Certification

Sample Certificate

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