This module provides learning in the development of CBT treatment intervention and treatment process competencies when working with common mental health problems. The module builds knowledge and understanding of depression and anxiety disorders, including critical analysis of empirical research in cognitive theories and behavioural theories.

Empirically grounded treatment protocols are learned and applied to clinical practice through development and implementation of CBT intervention plans for individuals with depression or anxiety disorders. The module covers CBT treatment interventions recommended in clinical guidance for specific disorders including Depression, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Illness Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The module develops knowledge of CBT treatment processes and their application. Learning includes skills in the facilitation of client learning through conceptualisation, maintenance of new learning treatment and relapse prevention.

Learning on this module will be synchronous via interactive weekly lectures and seminars for skills role-play practice, group presentations on clinical vignettes, assignment workshops, academic mentoring sessions and directed problem-based learning. As well as formal classroom-based and online learning, you will be involved in the peer and tutor observation of CBT treatment intervention skills role-play and will gain feedback on your own approaches. (150 hours)

In addition to this you will have 3.5 hours per week self-directed study time on placement. You will engage in asynchronous learning, to consolidate and build upon your learning from the taught sessions and to prepare for assessments. This will involve tasks such as reading key texts and journal articles, work based self-assessments, self-reflection on skills development, shadowing/observation, role play/practice with peers/supervisors of assessment and formulation, self-practice of interventions with reflection (i.e. applying techniques to issues from own life). (250 hours)

1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of CBT for depression and anxiety disorders. Knowledge & Understanding; Learning

2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the theoretical and empirical evidence base for the application of cognitive models, behavioural models and CBT treatment protocols for specific disorders. Learning; Enquiry; Analysis

3. Develop CBT clinical intervention plans that are consistent with CBT conceptualisations and demonstrate skills in following disorder-specific protocols in clinical practice. Knowledge & Understanding; Problem Solving; Analysis; Communication; Application

4. Demonstrate competence in the application of CBT treatment intervention in clinical practice with people with depression or anxiety disorders, evidencing change in clinical outcome, according to CBT treatment intervention measures. Application; Communication; Reflection

Students will require personal IT facilities for learning

Students will require a verified clinical placement with access to work as a trainee with adult service users experiencing common mental health problems

Students will require weekly access to a clinical supervisor in the workplace, who is a BABCP Accredited Practitioner, offering individual supervision

University library has a range of learning and teaching texts and journals, including an online reading list.

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

Bennett-Levy, J., Butler, G., Fennell, M., Hackmann, A., Mueller, M., & Westbrook, D. (2004). Oxford guide to behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy. Oxford University Press.

Butler, G., Fennell, M., & Hackmann, A. (2008). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders: Mastering clinical challenges. Guilford Press.

Clark, D. A. (2019). Cognitive behavioural therapy for OCD and its subtypes. Guilford Press.

Persons, J.B., Davidson, J. & Tompkins, M.A. (2013). Essential Components of CBT for Depression. Washington: American Psychiatric Association.

Meet requirements for eligibility according to BABCP Minimum Training Standards criteria: Core Profession or KSA Portfolio
Pass Academic Screening
Verified clinical placement for duration of training period

In this module you will learn about CBT treatment interventions and treatment process competencies when working with common mental health problems. You will build theoretical knowledge and understanding of depression and anxiety disorders, including critical analysis of empirical research in cognitive theories and behavioural theories and their application in clinical practice.

You will learn empirically grounded treatment intervention protocols and their application. You will develop and implement CBT treatment intervention plans for individuals with depression or anxiety disorders in your clinical practice. The module covers CBT treatment interventions recommended in clinical guidance for specific disorders including Depression, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Illness Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

You will develop your knowledge of CBT treatment processes and their application. You will develop your knowledge and skills in the facilitation of client learning through treatment, maintenance of new learning from treatment and relapse prevention.

Students will be required to complete 4 summative assessments:

1) Written case study (25%) of 4000 words, based on material from an evidenced treatment case in clinical practice (either closely or non-closely supervised), demonstrating knowledge of key principles of CBT treatment intervention for depression, including review and critical analysis of the empirical base for CBT for Depression (Learning Outcomes: 1,2).

2) 60-minute clinical recording (25%) demonstrating skills in the application of CBT treatment intervention for depression. A self-rated CTS-R report is submitted with the clinical recording.

(Learning Outcomes: 3,4)

3) Verbally presented case study (25%) of 30 minutes, based on material from an evidenced treatment case in clinical practice (either closely or non-closely supervised), demonstrating knowledge of key principles of CBT treatment intervention for an anxiety disorder (Learning Outcomes 1,2).

4) 60-minute clinical recording demonstrating skills in the application of CBT treatment intervention for anxiety disorders. A self-rated CTS-R report is submitted with the clinical recording.

Learning Outcomes: 1,2 3,4)


Students are required to pass all elements of assessment in order to pass the module.