PGDip — 2024 entry Psychological Intervention (CBT)

This is the first in a series of four modules and provides grounding in the fundamental principles of CBT. This module introduces trainees to the theory and research in CBT for common mental health problems. It begins with an introduction to NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression and the stepped care system, grounded in the diagnostic and classification systems for common mental health problems and the bio-psychosocial models. The module provides the trainees with the theoretical foundations and principles that shape CBT, establishing an empirical basis for informed practice. Trainees are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of these concepts and principles and to evaluate the research evidence underpinning Cognitive Behavioural theory and practice. The core competencies of formulation, treatment planning, change techniques and relapse prevention are embedded as a strong foundation for CBT practice and for the development of an effective therapeutic practitioner. The module provides a breadth of knowledge and skills related to CBT application that are fundamental for the development for later modules that look at this in further depth. Examples of concepts and principles addressed include; the structure of CBT, the therapeutic alliance, difference and diversity and the issue of risk.  We acknowledge that this module has drawn on research that historically privileges white, male and Westernised epistemologies, assumptions, theories and outcome research that may not fully reflect the diversity of students and the populations we serve, and in some cases discriminate against more diverse perspectives. We are actively working together to develop a less biased and more balanced knowledge base through more varied reading lists, culturally sensitive application, diverse case studies and assessment rubrics. We welcome the collaboration with our students in the endeavour to provide a more robust, just, and inclusive representation of the discipline. Please email s.jeraj@surrey.ac.uk if you have any queries or feedback. 

This module introduced trainees to some of the challenges and dilemmas in working with complex, chronic, or co-morbid presentations of Anxiety and Depression. Trainees will apply their critical knowledge of CBT theory to develop clinical skills in working with groups, older adults and presentations such as perfectionism, chronic depression, low self-esteem, long-term health conditions, insomnia, and post-natal depression. This will enable them to better serve the diversity of clients accessing Talking Therapies services. The module will develop further skills in the use of imagery, and support trainees to consider the broader applications of CBT interventions. Other co-morbid difficulties that trainees may encounter in talking therapies services are introduced (including eating disorders, addictions, psychosis, and personality disorders) so they are better equipped in assessing these and understanding what evidence-based treatments they can refer clients on to. The module will provide the opportunity for trainees to review their learning from previous modules in light of the clinical practice experience they have gained throughout the year. This supports the trainee’s ability in applying CBT with more complex presentations, deriving CBT-driven formulations in cases of co-morbidity.   We acknowledge that this module has drawn on research that historically privileges White, male and Westernised epistemologies, assumptions, theories, and outcome research that may not fully reflect the diversity of students and the populations we serve, and in some cases discriminate against more diverse perspectives. We are actively working together to develop a less biased and more balanced knowledge base through more varied reading lists, culturally sensitive application, diverse case studies, and assessment rubrics. We welcome the collaboration with our students in the endeavor to provide a more robust, just, and inclusive representation of the discipline. Please email tim.gibson@surrey.ac.uk if you have any queries or feedback. 

This module runs alongside the other modules in order to facilitate the practical implementation of the theoretical concepts being taught in the other modules. Experiential learning and reflective practice will be emphasised throughout the teaching and delivery of all the modules. This module will specifically help trainees refine therapeutic process and practice through the use of CBT supervision and self-practice. Trainees are expected to engage in supervision of their practice using ¿live¿ video recordings of their client work and are expected to contribute to their own and others learning using constructive feedback. CBT supervision of work-based practice will also be facilitated and quality-managed by the programme. Trainees are supported to learn about and engage in their own cognitive and behavioural self-practice and self-reflection, where they will reflect on the process of undertaking the CBT techniques on themselves. They will elicit and work with their therapist beliefs and be taught strategies to enhance their well-being, resilience and development as competent and ethical CBT therapists, as well as deepening their understanding of working with difference and diversity. We acknowledge that this module has drawn on research that historically privileges White, Male and Westernised epistemologies, assumptions, theories and outcome research that may not fully reflect the diversity of students and the populations we serve, and in some cases discriminate against more diverse perspectives. We are actively working together to develop a less biased and more balanced knowledge base through more varied reading lists, culturally sensitive application, diverse case studies and assessment rubrics. We welcome the collaboration with our students in the endeavour to provide a more robust, just, and inclusive representation of the discipline.

This module builds on the Fundamentals of CBT module (PSYM162) and aims to develop trainee¿s knowledge, skills and competency, based on the theory and practice of CBT for anxiety disorders and depression in primary care. This includes the treatment of Depression, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (including complex PTSD) in Primary Care. Students will understand the distinct diagnostic features and characteristics of each disorder and how to assess, conceptualise and treat these according to evidence-based theory and practice and up-to-date research, grounded in the NICE guidelines and Roth and Pilling Competencies (2007). This module provides the core content and a clear knowledge and skill base for working with depression and anxiety disorders and provides a foundation for trainees to be able to understand the interaction of these presentations in the Complexity and Co-morbidity module (PSYM165). Trainees will have the knowledge and skills on which to reflect as part of the Experiential, Professional and Reflective practice module (PSYM164). This module teaches many of the key CBT competencies required for trainees to gain professional accreditation, essential to being employable as a qualified CBT clinician. We acknowledge that this module has drawn on research that historically privileges White, Male and Westernised epistemologies, assumptions, theories, and outcome research that may not fully reflect the diversity of students and the populations we serve, and in some cases discriminate against more diverse perspectives. We are actively working together to develop a less biased and more balanced knowledge base through more varied reading lists, culturally sensitive applications, diverse case studies and assessment rubrics. We welcome the collaboration with our students in the endeavour to provide a more robust, just, and inclusive representation of the discipline. Please email s.jeraj@surrey.ac.uk if you have any queries or feedback.