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: Only available for students enrolled on MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology with Clinical Placement
Co-requisites: PYMFCR Clinical Research Methods
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Paul Jenkins
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), including an overview of the importance of evidence-based psychological interventions based on current theoretical understanding of common psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression). The module will also cover contemporary 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


• To provide students with an introduction to evidence-based psychological treatment and highlight the particular importance of CBT in the treatment of common psychiatric 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, principally CBT, in terms of their level of evidence for treating common psychiatric disorders


• Produce CBT-informed formulations based on simulated 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:

The teaching is typically delivered weekly over the course of the Autumn Term, in line with the Contact Hours below.  It will cover issues such as: 

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


• Assessment and formulation in CBT


• Setting goals, agendas, and agreeing homework


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


• Use of self-reflection and supervision

Several introductory textbooks (on CBT) may be of use. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars/lecturers; 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’; practice of CBT skills in students’ own lives.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	30
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	100
Wider reading (directed)	30
Peer assisted learning	5
Advance preparation for classes	15
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5
Reflection	15
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	40
Portfolio	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessment comprises:

1. A written assignment (1500-word essay, due early Spring Term)


2. A portfolio describing three activities (carried out in the seminars), due end of Autumn Term


3. A reflective piece (1000 words) based on an activity described in the portfolio, due early Spring Term

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:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

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):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 September 2022