Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Course details

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

No formal qualifications are required. However, all modules are taught at university level and students should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students new to psychology will benefit from undertaking some preparatory reading as detailed below.

AIMS

To provide students with an understanding of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and its use within the NHS for specific psychological problems.

OBJECTIVES

•  Identify the characteristics of this specific type of therapy, and how it differs from other treatment approaches

• Explain the development of specific psychological problems according to the cognitive behavioural model.

• Demonstrate clearly the techniques used to treat a range of psychological problems

• Give an overview of the research methods used within this area of psychology, including their relative advantages and disadvantages.

• Highlight the ethical issues involved when conducting research (with particular reference to harm) and the issues that arise when trying to generalise results (for example across cultures).

• Support students to take part in the assessment process.

• Build students' confidence in presenting their own ideas and in critical thinking.

• Support and develop students' study skills, including note taking and essay writing.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of behaviourism and the cognitive model of psychology, and how they are applied in current psychotherapeutic practice.

• Describe within a cognitive-behavioural model the aetiology of specific disorders treated by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy within the NHS.

• Describe and discuss some of the specific techniques that are used within this treatment approach. • Demonstrate an understanding of the development of ideas within this field, and of contemporary approaches and issues.

• Recognise a range of research methods that might be appropriate to the study of this area of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies including both qualitative as well as quantitative approaches).

• Identify the ethical issues when conducting research in this area (with particular consideration of harm).

• Demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and research.

• Think critically about the subjects covered.

• Present your own ideas about issues addressed on the module.

• Discuss and implement a range of strategies to support your learning.

• Successfully plan and write essays or other assignments which have been set to support your learning on this module.

CONTENT

• Development of Behaviourism, and Cognitive theory in relation to practice.

• Characteristics of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Assessment of Psychological Problems

• Providing a Cognitive Behavioural Rationale for Psychological Problems

• Treatment of specific disorders

• Phobias/panic

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Depression / Generalised Anxiety