Cognitive Therapy Pathway - Postgraduate Diploma in CBT

The formal aims of the programme are as follows:

To provide high quality training in the core therapy skills relevant to cognitive and behaviour therapies for trainees aiming to work with service users with disorders of anxiety and depression. It aims to do this by presenting the relevant theoretical bases of the therapies alongside research evidence of their effectiveness. It endeavours to enable trainees to develop an understanding of the links between research in the relevant areas of psychological science and practical applications of these therapies.

The programme also aims to provide practical support, guidance and supervision in the practice of therapies delivered to service users with the disorders of anxiety and depression, and to help programme participants to develop the clinical skills necessary for working with this client group.

The programme aims to ensure that all graduates of the programme meet recognised minimum clinical competence standards in working using CBT with service users with the anxiety and depression, consistent with the relevant competencies’ framework for psychological interventions with people with anxiety and depression developed by Roth & Pilling (2007).

The programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to go on to develop skills in the application of cognitive behavioural theory and therapy to a broader range of clinical presentations.

A basic knowledge and experience of CBT practice acquired from an introductory programme (e.g. a foundation course in CBT), and/ or having had some introductory supervised practice experience of CBT is needed to apply.

Applicants from main mental health professions (Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatric Nurses, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Social Workers, Occupational Therapists in Mental Health, Accredited Counsellors).  Please consult the following link for a list of all health, Mental health and social care professions currently accepted by BABCP as a recognised core profession, which will be accepted as entry criteria: Core Professions List – BABCP   

Applicants without one of these recognised core professions will be considered for eligibility via the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) framework based on that developed by the BABCP. The KSA requirements for this training programme will be sent out to applicants.  An example of KSA requirements can be found on the BABCP website   Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes – BABCP  

The route into this programme is via application, interview and references. Successful candidates will have some existing knowledge of cognitive and/or behavioural theory and some experience of the practice of cognitive behaviour therapy.

The training component is in the form of lectures, workshops and supervision of clinical practice. Following the initial 3-day induction week, attendance is weekly, on one day per week, over three academic terms. There are two further teaching blocks at the beginning of terms 2 and 3. The training day on a Thursday will be comprised of supervision in the morning and a skills workshop in the afternoon. During term 3, there will be full day Masterclasses on some Mondays or Tuesdays, facilitated by national and international leaders in the development of CBT.

Workshops include theoretical and skills development components, and combine academic presentations, demonstrations, and experiential exercises.  Weekly intensive small group video-based training supervision is provided by highly experienced BABCP accredited CBT practitioners (for anxiety and depression).

The total cost of the programme will be £9,000.

If you are interested in this programme, you will need to talk to your service manager or have agreement from wherever you intend to undertake your clinical work. An application form is available from the PTTC if you email PTTCenquiries@gmmh.nhs.uk

Recruitment  takes place between August – October.