PYMFIT-Introduction to CBT

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: p.jenkins@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with an introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). This module will provide students with an overview of the importance of psychological interventions that are based on: (i) current theoretical understanding of common psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety and depressive disorders), and (ii) empirical evidence relevant to both the models of psychological disorder and the efficacy of associated treatments.  Students will be guided through key stages of CBT, including assessment, formulation, and endings.  The module will also introduce therapeutic tools for treating common psychological disorders and discuss their practical application.

Aims:

• To develop a systematic understanding of the role of evidence-based psychological treatments in the provision of psychological services


• To have an awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of current knowledge in the fields of CBT and evidence-based practice


• To discuss the role of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the provision of psychological therapy, in the UK and beyond


• To provide students with an introduction to evidence-based psychological treatment and highlight the particular importance of CBT in the treatment of common psychological disorders


• To develop a conceptual understanding of CBT, including a historical and conceptual overview of CBT and an understanding of CBT theory


• To introduce key therapeutic skills and strategies used in CBT

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand the interface between research, clinical practice, and the policies endorsed by the National Health Service (NHS)


• Critically evaluate psychological therapies in terms of their level of evidence for treating common psychological disorders


• Produce CBT formulations according to individual circumstances and presenting problems


• Describe core CBT skills, such as thought records and behavioural experiments

Additional outcomes:

• Students will learn to use CBT tools (e.g., thought records, goal-setting) to identify personal difficulties and consider ways to overcome these


• Appreciate the usefulness of personal reflection in CBT


• Students will demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and advancing their own knowledge


• Appreciate the value of multiple perspectives and the importance of diversity

Outline content:

Topics will be covered from a list such as:

1. The fundamentals of evidence-based psychological treatments, with a particular focus on CBT


2. Assessment and formulation in CBT


3. Setting goals, agendas, and agreeing homework


4. Core CBT techniques (e.g., behavioural experiments, reviewing thought records)


5. Use of self-reflection and supervision

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars; small group work; audio and video recording; role-play exercises and group discussion; online discussion boards via Blackboard Learn; examples leading to production of a cognitive behavioural formulation for a ‘patient’; practise of CBT skills in students’ own lives.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessment comprises:

1. A written assignment (1500-word essay).


2. A portfolio describing three activities (carried out in the seminars).


3. A reflective piece (1000 words) based on an activity described in the portfolio.

Formative assessment methods:

The course will include role-play exercises and discussion, as well as written assignments to support learning and subsequent summative assessment.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 19 June 2019