Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

A Workshop for Counselling Practitioners

 

The workshop utilises a range of videos, group work, PowerPoint and experiential exercises throughout.

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We will consider how CBT might be integrated into clinical practice alongside other modalities.    

 

Module 1

 

A brief underlying theory of CBT.

 

Module 2

 

Introducing the role of beliefs

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• How our thinking influences our feelings and actions.

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• A creative, experiential exercise will be used here.  

 

Module 3

 

Introducing the ABC as a tool to understand and frame an emotional problem  

 

• The ABC is a tool that can be used to structure and understand a problem.  How can it be used in practice to work creatively with your client?  

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• An imaginative ABC diagram will be employed throughout the workshop that can be used in the course of ongoing work.

 

Module 4

 

What thoughts and beliefs are at the heart of the problem?

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• This module will focus on the beliefs and thinking processes that generated the unwanted emotional, physical and behavioural consequences.

 

Module 5

 

Adopting helpful thinking strategies:  Encouraging your client to think differently 

 

• Participants will notice how employing different thoughts and beliefs can generate a more helpful emotional, physical and behavioural response.

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• What alternative thinking strategies would be more helpful or constructive?

 

Module 6

 

Tuning into our emotions and our behaviour:  What techniques can we use? 

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• Become aware of what is happening in our body.  For example, when we feel anxious or angry, we might actively tune into and slow down our breathing.  

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• Other examples include keeping a mood diary; mindfulness techniques; counting to 10 when feeling angry, etc.  

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• The use of vivid, creative or energetic techniques can help, such as exercise; laughing; or art or writing.

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• Creative experiential exercises, discussion and videos will be employed here.

 

Module 7

 

Focusing our interventions in Clinical Practice

 

• We will look more closely at specific emotional, behavioural and physiological responses, and consider how we might focus our interventions in clinical practice.

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• I invite group members to present their own, individual case studies that may help in the course of their work.  We will revisit these case studies in module 8.

 

Module 8

 

Integrating thoughts, feelings, behaviour and physical reactions

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• Bringing it all together with our ABC.  

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• Revisiting the case studies that group members presented earlier. Suggestions and helpful interventions that might be employed moving forward.

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• General discussion and feedback.  For example, how might the learning of the day be carried forward and integrated into clinical practice? 

 

Appendix

 

• Suggested websites and books.

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• A few tools and forms that may be helpful to you in your practice.

 

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