Overview

This module is designed to equip students with a CBT understanding of a range of anxiety presentations. The underpinning theory, evidence base and a range of disorder specific formulations will be explored. There will be a focus on developing skills in specific strategies to and design and deliver appropriate interventions. The course requirements are designed to contribute towards the standards required to meet BABCP practitioner accreditation.

The module will begin by describing the theories that underpin the practice of CBT with anxious clients using a range of disorder specific CBT models (e.g., specific phobia, panic disorder, social phobia), assessing the evidence base, methods of assessment and specialist cognitive and behavioural treatment strategies e.g., exposure, problem solving, applied tension and relaxation, and guided discovery.

Assessing and formulating participants’ own clinical cases will be encouraged which will be followed by the planning of appropriate intervention/s. Structuring clinical sessions in accordance with the CTS-R Rating Scale will be taught and practiced during training and in the workplace. These skills will be evaluated by trainers, peers and workplace supervisors and self-reflection will be encouraged. A fundamental component of the module is emphasis upon the use of supervision to increase clinical skills in conducting CBT assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation as well as core CBT practice skills as outlined in the CTS-R Scale.

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Criteria Excellent (-A/70%>): Comprehensive case study, demonstrating clarity of argument and expression with depth of insight into CBT and its evidence base and child development. Detailed understanding with no factual errors. Comprehensive solutions to client problems presented based on a solid CBT conceptualisation of problems. Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas linking theory and practice experience. Originality in approach, interpretation and/or voice. Extensive independent research. Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims. Highly focused and well structured. Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression. Correct format in appropriate referencing style. Scores exceed 3 on all subscales of the CTS-R Rating Scale

Good (-B/60%>): Reasonably presented case study that is well organized and structured, demonstrating a good understanding of the application of the CBT model. Clear understanding and mostly free of factual errors. Appropriate intervention/s to client problems based on an understanding of the CBT model. Some analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas linking theory and practice experience. Some originality in approach, interpretation and/or voice. Some independent research. Coherent arguments with evidence for some claims. Focused and well structured. Good presentation with accurate and appropriate expression. Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style. Scores exceeding 3 on 50% of the scales and at 3 on the remainder of the subscales on the CTS-R Rating Scale.

Threshold (-C / 50%): Adequate case study but largely descriptive with no real development or discussion. Understanding of the main concepts in applying the CBT model. Limited analysis showing only obvious points of evaluation and linking theory and practice experience. Highly limited originality in approach, interpretation and/or voice. Limited independent research. Arguments presented but lack of coherence and evidence for only some claims. Focused but with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Acceptable presentation and appropriate expression. Attempt correct format and appropriate referencing style. A minimum score of 3, on a 6-point scale, on all 12 competencies of the CTS-R Rating Scale

For the Clinical Practical Assessment marked using the CTSR, a minimum total score of 36 is required with no individual item scoring less than 2.

BABCP Accreditation: students wishing to use this module as evidence for BABCP accreditation will need to pass all elements of the assessments

Learning Outcomes

• Complete a CBT assessment in collaboration with a client presenting with anxiety, summarising relevant background information and link underlying CBT theory to an intervention plan

• Critically evaluate the client outcome and reflect on own clinical practice

• Critically evaluate the place of medication alongside the psychosocial treatment of common mental health disorders

• Identify and apply the core CBT competencies required in individual therapy as defined in the CTSR- Scale at the competent level achieving a total score of 36 or more (min 2 on each item).

• Summarise and critically evaluate the evidence base for CBT interventions in relation to a selected anxiety presentation.