PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

University of Staffordshire

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy develops your theoretical knowledge, reflective abilities and practical skills to enable you to become a skilled and independent practitioner with adults with common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy based on the theory that psychological symptoms develop and are maintained as a result of the interaction between the thoughts, emotions and behavioural responses of the individual.CBT is an evidenced-based psychological therapy recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a first-line intervention for many mental health disorders. In CBT, the therapist and client work collaboratively to identify and change thoughts and behaviours that may be maintaining symptoms. This course has been developed as part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative, which aims to increase the availability of qualified high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapists.After completing the course, you will be equipped to work as a high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapist. You should then be eligible to apply for provisional accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with the BABCP.On successful completion of the PgDip, you will be able to:Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the key principles of CBT for depression and anxiety disorders, and the evidence-base for the application of CBT techniquesCollaboratively create both maintenance and developmental CBT conceptualisations with clients presenting with depression and/or a range of anxiety disordersCreate CBT-specific idiosyncratic treatment plansSystematically practice CBT with clients presenting with depression and/or anxiety disorders, in an innovative way that allows for high-quality clinical outcomes