Cognitive Behaviour Therapy PGDip

CBT is an increasingly popular form of psychological therapy. Many people who have learned about the methods find that it helps them a great deal in doing their job - if their job involves helping people in distress to experience less distress (eg. as in health care work), or perhaps helping people learn how to manage their life more effectively (eg. also health care - but also education, the prison service, etc). CBT is also recommended by NICE as a first line intervention for many psychological disorders.

This course is designed to enable students to practice CBT. The course is structured around teaching, skills practice, experiential learning, supervision support groups, and academic assignments. The academic assignments include essays, case reports, and recordings of live sessions with clients. Students will also be encouraged to discuss their own views on CBT as well as on mental health and psychological therapy in general. The core feature of the course is the facilitation of reflective practice.

The key features of the course are: Structured Cognitive methods; Reducing fear and anxiety using CBT methods; Developing your use of CBT methods; Using CBT methods in routine service delivery. At the end of the PG Diploma in CBT, students will be equipped to use CBT in clinical practice. Whilst the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Postgraduate Diploma is not accredited by BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), the majority of the requirements for personal accreditation as a BABCP accredited practitioner are met. However students will need to ensure they meet other criteria (e.g. additional supervision hours; number of client contact hours; live supervision whilst on their place of clinical work).

For those wishing to enter at Route 1 - This route is for new graduates holding a Psychology BSc degree, with some voluntary experience. The entry requirements are: a good 2:1 Honours degree or above in Psychology; experience of counselling for at least 6 months within mental health and social care (this could be nightline or Samaritans or similar); excellent interpersonal skills (to be assessed at interview); a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required by the University. Route 2 Entry is for those who currently work in a typical health or social care environment in a role which entails some level of psychotherapeutic practice. The entry requirements are: 1. Professional background (i.e. ONE of the following:) a) Mental Health or social care graduate professional qualification (e.g. Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychiatry, Applied Psychology or Counselling/Psychotherapy) PLUS two years full-time equivalent post qualification experience. b) Applications from those who do not have a prior professional qualification as above will be considered, if they have an Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Psychology, Health/Social Sciences). 2. Performance at interview - If applicants meet the entry criteria as above, they will be invited for an interview with two members of staff from CBT Programmes.