Course description
Programme description
- Institute of Psychiatry leads in teaching and research in CBT, teaching from experts at cutting edge of CBT development.
- Current Diploma presents latest developments in CBT in a programme established for 20 years.
- Multidisciplinary teaching team from Institute of Psychiatry and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust clinical units.
The programme covers core clinical skills and academic teaching on the models and techniques for treating a range of psychiatric disorders. The first module gives a thorough grounding in the basic skills of CBT. The second module consists of seminars by experts such as Professor David Clark and Professor Paul Salkovskis in the treatment of a variety of disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, somatisation, psychosis and addictions.
Programme format and assessment
Teaching on Fridays; group supervision followed by large group teaching; examined by coursework assignments; essays; clinical reports of case work; audio taped therapy sessions.
Programme modules for PG Dip Cognitive Behavioural Therapies
Fundamentals of CBT (60 Credits) (Core Module)
This module aims to develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relating to the practice of CBT, and practical competence in the fundamental techniques of CBT with regards to common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Students will gain: systematic knowledge of the cognitive theory of emotion and the fundamental principles of cognitive behaviour therapy; a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence for cognitive models and an ability to evaluate the evidence; a systematic knowledge of the evidence base for the application of cognitive behavioural techniques and the role of experimental psychology. Successful students will be able to: construct maintenance and developmental conceptualisations of cases and develop treatment plans; apply cognitive behavioural techniques competently in uncomplicated cases of anxiety and depression; deal with clinical issues arising in CBT practice systematically and creatively; demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving basic therapeutic problems. Assessment is by one 5,000-word essay and a one-hour therapy tape and related case report (4000-words).
Specialist Application of CBT (60 Credits) (Core Module)
This module aims to develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relating to depression, specific anxiety disorders and more specialist areas such as psychosis and addictions; to develop practical proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT for common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety; to develop competency in the specialist techniques of CBT for more specialist disorders such as eating disorders, addictions, somatisation. At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate: a systematic knowledge of cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety and depression, together with an understanding of its use in other specialist disorders; a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence for cognitive models and methods as applied to these disorders, and an ability to evaluate the evidence; awareness of some of the current and competing approaches to CBT. Successful students will be able to: apply cognitive behavioural techniques proficiently in uncomplicated cases of anxiety and depression; deal with complex issues arising in CBT practice systematically and creatively, construct specialist CBT models and develop specialist treatment plans; begin to practise as 'scientist practitioners' continuing to advance their knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills to a high level; take personal responsibility for clinical decision making in complex and unpredictable situations and continue to learn independently from professional development. Assessment is by one 5,000-word essay and a one-hour therapy tape and related case report (4000-words).
