Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

A particular strength of the programme is the emphasis on practical skills throughout the course. This programme focuses on the applications of CBT and facilitates you to develop a working knowledge of skills, tools and interventions relevant to working with anxiety and depression. This is achieved through a model of experiential learning, practical application and practitioner reflexivity. Flipped learning, live demonstrations, videos, and assessment strategies to evaluate your performance provide you with a safe and optimum environment for learning.



Who is this course for?

The programme is aimed at counsellors, psychotherapists and those from a BABCP-recognised core profession (Psychiatry, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy) who seek the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and personal confidence to apply strategic protocols of CBT in the area of mental health and wellbeing. The Certificate in CBT is intended to enhance your existing qualifications and would interest professionals who may wish to pursue further level 9 studies in this area. This course is for you if you want to develop your clinical and academic skills further and are interested in evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence.



What are the benefits of doing this course?

This QQI validated professional programme supports you in expanding your skills, knowledge and practitioner competencies to ensure you grow and develop within CBT structures that are innovative, creative and leading-edge. In addition to leading to a level 9 special purpose award, the programme is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for CBT-skilled practitioners within an overwhelmed mental health system. It is designed to meet the requirements for entry into Module 2 of the MSc in CBT with PCI College, thereby enabling you to pursue further training in CBT at Masters level should you choose to do so. The course is designed for busy professionals and adopts a collaborative learning approach, incorporating flipped learning, encouraging autonomy and choice for the adult learner. Through experiential in-class group practice and clinical hours, you can maximise learning when treating clients presenting with these concerns whilst developing strong reflexive skills that will strengthen your ability to integrate your learning.



What will you learn?

You will be provided with a solid grounding in the core concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a discipline framed within the BABCP Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, in addition to more specialist areas such as anxiety disorders and depression. You will be provided with opportunities to discuss and consider the theories presented in the programme in a collaborative, experiential learning environment that encourages the integration of professional knowledge with self-reflection along with emphasising personal capabilities such as self-awareness, integrity, sensitivity, insight and compassion. Upon completing this programme, you will have developed an understanding of the core concepts of CBT and the skill to utilise specific models and interventions applicable to practice in the area of anxiety and depression.

MODULE 1: Theory and Origins of CBT (5 ECTS Credits)



Experientially explore techniques for working within the CBT framework

Investigate essential theoretical concepts underpinning CBT

Explore the foundational, diagnostic and treatment methods in cognitive and behavioural approaches to therapy within the BABCP Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

Develop an understanding of the appropriate and ethical CBT interventions applicable to practice.



MODULE 2: Theory and Skills: CBT for Anxiety and Depression (5 ECTS Credits)



Overview of cognitive behavioural therapy's core theoretical frameworks and skills specific to Anxiety Disorders and Depression.

Case Formulations and ethical practice

Practical application of disorder-specific CBT models for each disorder

Skills practice honing reflexivity.

The use of the CTS-R, an essential CBT practitioner tool.

Practitioner competencies.



ASSESSMENT:

Module 1

2,000 word essay.



Module 2

Part a) Case Study

Part b) Clinical Portfolio



ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Complete the Garda Vetting process

Record of 30 one-to-one client hours to be signed by an accredited clinical supervisor.

Record of 3 hours supervision (1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of client work) for learners with a counselling/psychotherapy qualification OR Record of 6 hours of supervision (1 hour of supervision for every 5 hours of client work) for learners from a cognate discipline.

Minimum pass grade in all assessments

Attendance at all classes

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants should possess the maturity to reflect on their development as a person and have completed one of the following:



Level 8 accredited degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy

OR



Accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy plus Level 8 degree in a related area plus submission of a clinical portfolio

OR



BABCP-recognised core profession (Psychiatry, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and GP's )



CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS

You must be deemed suitable to work with clients within your core profession (counselling/psychotherapy or cognate discipline) in order to meet the placement requirement (30 hours of one-to-one work with clients), i.e. you must be working within a role that enables the integration of CBT skills on a one-to-one basis.



Entry Requirements

• Complete the Garda Vetting process

• Record of 30 one-to-one client hours to be signed by an accredited clinical supervisor.

• Record of 3 hours supervision (1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of client work) for learners with a counselling/psychotherapy qualification OR Record of 6 hours of supervision (1 hour of supervision for every 5 hours of client work) for learners from a cognate discipline.

• Please note that the cost of clinical supervision is not included in the course fees.

• Minimum pass grade in all assessments

• Attendance at all classes

COMMENCEMENT DATE 25 Oct 2025