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Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:1.00
Study Course Accepted:05.04.2023 10:34:28
Study Course Information
Course Code:VPUPK_343LQF level:Level 7
Credit Points:2.00ECTS:3.00
Branch of Science:Psychology; General PsychologyTarget Audience:Psychology
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Ilona Krone
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppkatrsu[pnkts]lv, +37167061587
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)6Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures12
Classes (count)6Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes12
Total Contact Hours24
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Study courses ‘Clinical Psychology’, ‘Research of Cognitive Processes and Personality’, ‘Psychological Counselling (individual and systemic approach)’ completed.
Objective:
To develop postgraduate students' understanding of cognitive and behavioural therapy, the applicability of its principles in the professional activity of a psychologist, especially in health care; to develop basic cognitive and behavioural therapy skills and competencies related to case formulation, as well as the application of appropriate cognitive and behavioural techniques when working with anxiety and mood disorders.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1History and development of cognitive and behavioural therapy: the first, second and third wave of cognitive behavioural therapy. Session structure and case formulation.Lectures2.00auditorium
2Cognitive techniques: thought record, "down-arrow" technique, Socratic questioning. “Pros” and “cons” technique, use of charts, etc.Classes2.00auditorium
3Behavioral techniques: relaxation methods, behavioral experiment, prolonged exposure.Classes2.00auditorium
4CBT models of anxiety disorders and interventions panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias.Lectures2.00auditorium
5CBT models of depression and interventions.Lectures2.00auditorium
6Efficacy and application of CBT for different client / patient groups.Classes2.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Independently reinforce the material given in lectures by systematically reading the indicated literature sources; prepare for the test related to the understanding of the basic concepts of CBT; perform self-analysis in connection with a situation that produces negative emotions, identify negative thoughts related to the situation in writing, carry out their evaluation and reconstruction. Independently develop psychoeducational materials for clients on the chosen topic.
Assessment Criteria:
The final assessment consists of: 1. A test of understanding the basic concepts of cognitive and behavioural therapy (30%). 2. Case conceptualization and selection of appropriate cognitive and behavioural therapeutic strategies based on the basic principles of cognitive therapy and referring to appropriate efficacy studies (30%). 3. Analysis and restructuring of own negative automatic thoughts (30%). 4. Active work in seminars, learning and applying various cognitive and behavioural techniques in practice (10%). 1. Test. Topics: History and development of cognitive and behavioural therapy: origin of behavioural therapy methods; Aaron Beck; Albert Ellis. Direction development: The first, second and third wave of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Basic principles of evidence-based interventions and efficacy studies. Key concepts in cognitive psychotherapy: negative automatic thoughts, intermediate beliefs, core beliefs, rational and irrational beliefs. Cognitive model of depression. Cognitive models of anxiety disorders. The test consists of 10 questions, 4 of which are open questions, others are multiple choice questions or short answer questions. The student gets 1 point for each correctly answered question. To get the score, the sum of points is divided by 2. 2. Case conceptualisation. Students will receive a description of the client's problem, based on which each should conceptualize (describe and submit) the specific case. Case conceptualisation is evaluated according to 4 criteria: 1) Appropriately identified client problem / disorder (social anxiety, depression, panic attack, phobia (flying, spiders) (2 points)). 2) An appropriate explanatory model of the CBT disturbance is used and the mechanism supporting the disturbance, the interaction between the elements is clearly described (4 points). 3) Selected treatment strategies appropriate to the disorder (2 points). 4) References to relevant efficacy studies (2 points). The maximum number of points that can be obtained in each of the criteria is indicated in brackets. 1 point corresponds to 1 grade, summing them up gives a mark. 3. Analysis and restructuring of own automatic thoughts (must be described and submitted). The work is evaluated according to 3 criteria: 1) Automatic thoughts are identified; the situation, thoughts, emotions and behaviour are precisely separated (4 points); 2) One of the thought restructuring techniques selected and appropriately applied (4 points); 3) An alternative more helpful thought / -s was found, changes in emotions after restructuring of thoughts were evaluated (2 points). The maximum number of points that can be obtained in each of the criteria is indicated in brackets. 1 point corresponds to 1 grade, summing them up gives a mark. 4. Active work in seminars, learning and applying various cognitive and behavioural techniques in practice. Positive evaluation (1 point from the total evaluation), if 85% of lectures and seminars were attended, actively participating in them.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam (Written)
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:Understand the theoretical basis of cognitive and behavioural therapy methods and the key principles of the application of basic cognitive and behavioural methods in work with clients. Distinguishes situational, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physiological responses, describes the differences between them and describes the mechanism of their interrelationship. Explains various cognitive and behavioural methods (Socratic questioning, gradual acclimation, behavioural experiments, etc.) and conceptually describes the purpose and rationale for their use. Explains the basic principles of formulating CBT treatment cases. Describes evidence-based methods for working with mental disorders.
Skills:Students implement psychological support using evidence-based methods. Students demonstrate skills in establishing contact with a client to begin the process of psychological support. In case analysis, the client's needs and problems is evaluated in accordance with the basic principles of cognitive and behavioural therapy, perform basic assessment and case formulation skills. Student defines the problem and the objectives of the CBT. Selects and applies the most appropriate methods/ techniques for providing psychological support, to identify negative automatic thoughts, middle and basic beliefs. Distinguishes between irrational and rational beliefs. Explains the connection between thoughts and emotions. Evaluates and restructures own negative automatic thoughts and average beliefs. Evaluates the result of providing psychological help. Demonstrates skills in establishing therapeutic relationships and formulating a case in cooperation with a client in a simulation situation.
Competencies:Based on the client's life history and information related to the specific problem, independently develops a conceptualisation of the case and determines appropriate cognitive and behavioural intervention strategies in cases of anxiety and depression. Links cognitive psychotherapy concepts to real life situations. Uses cognitive and behavioural techniques to identify, evaluate, and restructure negative automatic thoughts.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Bite, I., Mārtinsone, K., & Sudraba, V. (Sast.). (2016). Konsultēšanas un psihoterapijas teorija un prakse. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC
2Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. (2nd ed.). New York.
3Bruch, M. (2015). Beyond Diagnosis : Case Formulation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. ProQuest Ebook Central.
4Lee, S. A., & Edget, D. M. (2012). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy : Applications, Methods and Outcomes. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Additional Reading
1Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
2Beck, J. S. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. New York: Guilford.
3Carlson, M. (2014). CBT for chronic pain and psychological well-being : a skills training manual integrating DBT, ACT, behavioral activation and motivational interviewing. NY: Wiley-Blackwell.
4Langs, R. (2019). Ground Rules in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Taylor & Francis Group. ProQuest Ebook Central. Available from: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.db.rsu.lv/lib/rsub-ebooks….
5Sochting, I. (2014). Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy : Challenges and Opportunities, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Other Information Sources
1Cognitive Therapy & Research
2International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
3Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
4Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy
5Journal of Cognitive & Behavioral Psychotherapies