The module provides an overview of the key theories and skills required to deliver evidence-based low-intensity interventions for common mental health problems. It covers a range of interventions for depression and anxiety disorders. This includes consideration of the context of the PWP role and how treatment needs can be identified and met. Treatment competencies are developed including: continuation of patient engagement; interpersonal; information gathering specific to change; within-session self-help change methods; planning and shared decision-making.

Bennett-Levy, J. (2010) Oxford guide to low intensity CBT interventions. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Farrand, P.A. (2020). Low-Intensity CBT Skills and Interventions. UK: SAGE.

Marrinan, T. (2019) Low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy: a practitioner’s guide. 2nd edition. Edited by M. Papworth. London: SAGE.

Farrand, P.A. (2020). Low-Intensity CBT Skills and Interventions. UK: SAGE.
A full reading list can be accessed here [link to be added when live]

This module will be delivered through a variety of methods such as interactive weekly workshop sessions, skills role-play practice, academic mentoring sessions, flipped learning, assessment workshops, guidance on portfolio building and assessment, and individual presentations.

There will be the equivalent of 10 full days of synchronous learning via interactive weekly workshop sessions, skills role-play practice, group presentations, assignment workshops, academic mentoring sessions, supervision and flipped learning (75 hours)

In addition to this you will engage in asynchronous learning to consolidate and build upon your learning from the taught sessions. This will involve tasks such as reading key texts and journal articles, undertaking follow-up tasks, work based self-assessments, self-reflection on skills development, shadowing/observation, role play/practice with peers/colleagues of assessment and interventions, self-practice of interventions with reflection (i.e. applying techniques to issues from own life), and directed problem-based learning (125 hours)

On completion of this module, you will be able to
1. Demonstrate a systematic/comprehensive knowledge of theoretical approaches underpinning evidence-based low-intensity treatment for common mental health problems
2. Demonstrate competence in the selection and delivery of treatment using evidence-based low-intensity interventions for depression and anxiety disorders.
3. Demonstrate the ability to use common factor competencies to manage emotional distress and maintain therapeutic alliances to support patients using low-intensity interventions.
4. Demonstrate professional methods of case recording and systematic evaluation of the process and outcomes of mental health interventions, adapting care on the basis of these evaluations.

The university library has a range of learning and teaching texts and journals, including the development of an online reading list.

Content session resources are updated on a weekly basis, via Blackboard site.
Online portfolio.

Bennett-Levy, J. (2010) Oxford guide to low intensity CBT interventions. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Farrand, P.A. (2020). Low-Intensity CBT Skills and Interventions. UK: SAGE.
Marrinan, T. (2019) Low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy: a practitioner’s guide. 2nd edition. Edited by M. Papworth. London: SAGE.

Must be enrolled on PWP Apprenticeship and employed by approved apprenticeship placement provider

During the Evidence-based low-intensity treatment for common mental health disorders module, you will develop your ability to:
(i) Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical approaches underpinning evidence-based low-intensity treatment for common mental health problems
(ii) Demonstrate experience and competence in the selection and delivery of treatment of a range of presenting problems using evidence-based low-intensity interventions across a range of indicative diagnoses including depression and two or more anxiety disorders.
(iii) Demonstrate the ability to use common factor competencies to manage emotional distress and maintain therapeutic alliances to support patients using low-intensity interventions.
(iv) Demonstrate high-quality case recording and systematic evaluation of the process and outcomes of mental health interventions, adapting care on the basis of these evaluations.

As well as classroom based and online learning, you will be involved in the peer observation of skills role-play and will gain feedback on your own approaches. You will also engage in critical self-reflection of your clinical practice to help you reflect on your developing skill-set and to plan for your apprenticeship development.

1. Clinical Competency Assessment (pass/fail)
An audio or video-recording of a real low-intensity treatment session with a patient treated by the trainee, in either of which the trainee is required to demonstrate skills in planning and implementing a low-intensity treatment programme. This recording will be assessed by teaching staff using a standardised assessment measure. (Assesses learning outcomes 2 and 3)

2. Case Study (100%)
A critically informed case study of anonymised patient treatment session in clinical practice. Case study context, assessment and engagement, behaviour change model, evidence-based low-intensity psychological intervention, patient case study detail, reflection on practice and ethical considerations. (Assesses learning outcomes 1 and 4)

3. Portfolio of Professional Practice evidence (pass/fail)

A Portfolio of Professional Practice which must include:
1. Assessment log of practice hours (signed by placement clinical supervisor)
And
2. Treatment Fitness to Practice (signed by placement clinical supervisor)
(Assesses learning outcome 4)