Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Implementation Fundamentals

It’s referenced by many as the most evidenced-based form of psychotherapy or even as the gold standard treatment for anxiety, depression, and many other mental health and substance use issues. But what does it mean to practice CBT and how is it different from other forms of psychotherapy?

This highly interactive course teaches the fundamental concepts of CBT that make it a unique and accessible form of psychotherapy. You’ll learn how to help your clients view situations through the lens of the cognitive model and to choose interventions that facilitate improvements in both thinking and behavior. Course activities focus on both cognitive and behavioral interventions such as cognitive restructuring and designing behavioral experiments. You’ll also learn how to structure a typical CBT session with your clients.

Whether you’re new to CBT or seeking a refresher, you’ll walk away with a solid foundation in the model and skills that can be immediately applied to the clients you serve.

Learning Objectives:

  1. List characteristics of CBT that differentiate it from traditional psychotherapy

  2. Explain how situations, thoughts, and reactions are interconnected according to the cognitive model

  3. Identify common intervention strategies that impact changes in thinking and behavior

  4. Describe the structure of a typical CBT session

Target Audience:

Psychotherapists and other human services workers interested in learning how to incorporate CBT concepts into service delivery

  • Introduction (15 minutes)

    • Learning objectives, lesson agenda

    • Course expectations/interactivity

    Lesson 1: CBT Overview (30 minutes)

    • CBT Description

    • The Cognitive Model

    • Activity: Applying the Cognitive Model

    • CBT Treatment Characteristics

    Lesson 2: Cognitive Interventions (85 minutes)

    • Automatic Thoughts: Definition/Characteristics

    • Common Thought Patterns & Processes

    • Identifying & Reframing Automatic Thoughts

    • Guided Discovery: Socratic Questioning

    • Activity: Practicing Cognitive Restructuring

    Break (10 minutes)

    • Assumptions: Definition/Characteristics

    • Identifying & Modifying Assumptions

    • Core Beliefs: Definition/Characteristics

    • Identifying Adaptive & Maladaptive Beliefs

    • Integrating Beliefs into the Cognitive Model

    • Modifying Maladaptive Beliefs

    Lesson 3: Behavioral Interventions (30 minutes)

    • Identifying Behaviors

    • Behavioral Interventions

    • Activity: Behavioral Activation

    • Activity: Behavioral Experiments

    • Behavioral Exposure

    Lesson 4: Additional Techniques (5 minutes)

    • Problem-Solving, Acceptance, & Tolerance

    Lesson 5: CBT Session Structure & Treatment Phases (5 minutes)

    Course Summary (15 minutes)

    • Activity: Knowledge Summary

    • Self-Help Books and Treatment Manuals

    • Summary/Q&A

Instructor: David Shapiro, LICSW

CE Credits: 3

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Implementation Fundamentals, Course #5513, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Shapiro Training & Consulting as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 1/12/2024 - 1/12/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

States that accept ASWB ACE approved continuing education.