Why is our CBT Certification unique and different?
Because it is designed to integrate faith, science, and techniques.
This CBT Certification course will provide you with the title of CBT Practitioner.

CBT PRACTITIONER

Focus Areas: Depression • Anxiety • Trauma
Format: Blended (Lectures, Case Studies, Practical Exercises, and Supervised Practicum)
Target Audience: Psychology students, counselors, pastoral counselors, and mental health practitioners

1. COURSE OVERVIEW
This course provides essential skills and theoretical foundations to practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively, with a focus on its evidence-based application for depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Students will learn core CBT principles, structured interventions, case conceptualization, and practical tools for working with clients.

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
  1. Understand the theoretical foundations and principles of CBT.
  2. Conduct structured assessments for depression, anxiety, and trauma.
  3. Create individualized CBT case formulations.
  4. Apply CBT techniques and interventions tailored to each condition.
  5. Use evidence-based protocols for treating depression, anxiety, and trauma.
  6. Integrate Christian and spiritual sensitivity when appropriate (optional for faith-based programs).
  7. Evaluate therapeutic progress and modify treatment plans effectively.
  8. Maintain ethical and professional standards in CBT practice.

3. COURSE STRUCTURE & MODULES
Module 1: Introduction to CBT Essentials
  • History and evolution of CBT
  • Core principles of cognitive-behavioral theory
  • The cognitive model: Thoughts, feelings, behaviors
  • Evidence base and effectiveness of CBT
  • Role of the CBT practitioner

Module 2: Foundations of CBT Practice
  • Building rapport and therapeutic alliance
  • Psychoeducation and informed consent
  • Assessment tools & structured clinical interviews
  • Case formulation in CBT
  • Goal setting and treatment planning

Module 3: CBT for Depression
  • Understanding depressive disorders (DSM-5 overview)
  • Negative automatic thoughts & cognitive distortions
  • Behavioral activation strategies
  • Cognitive restructuring techniques
  • Problem-solving therapy within CBT
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Practice: Case role-plays with PHQ-9 assessment

Module 4: CBT for Anxiety Disorders
  • Overview of anxiety disorders (GAD, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety)
  • The role of avoidance and safety behaviors
  • Exposure therapy & graduated hierarchies
  • Relaxation training and mindfulness integration
  • Thought challenging for catastrophic thinking
  • Coping strategies and lifestyle adjustments
  • Practice: Designing a fear hierarchy & exposure plan

Module 5: CBT for Trauma & PTSD
  • Understanding trauma responses (acute vs. complex)
  • PTSD criteria and common comorbidities
  • Trauma-informed care principles
  • Identifying and addressing maladaptive beliefs
  • Grounding techniques & stabilization before trauma processing
  • Imagery rescripting and narrative exposure
  • CBT and EMDR distinctions
  • Practice: PCL-5 assessment and case conceptualization

Module 6: Integrating Skills Across Conditions
  • Cross-cutting CBT interventions (thought records, behavioral experiments)
  • Working with comorbidity (depression + anxiety, trauma + depression)
  • Adapting CBT for cultural, age, and faith contexts
  • Group CBT vs. individual therapy
  • Technology-assisted CBT (apps, telehealth platforms)

Module 7: Ethics, Professional Practice & Self-Care
  • Ethical guidelines in CBT practice
  • Handling boundaries, confidentiality, and dual relationships
  • Therapist self-awareness & preventing burnout
  • Documentation and progress monitoring
  • Referral and multidisciplinary collaboration

Module 8: Practicum & Case Study Application
  • Supervised practice with role-play and real-case scenarios
  • Submission of 2 full CBT treatment plans (1 for depression, 1 for anxiety or trauma)
  • Live or video-recorded therapy session for evaluation
  • Feedback and skills refinement

. ASSESSMENTS
  • Quizzes: At the end of each module (to ensure retention)
  • Case Formulations: One for depression, one for anxiety, and one for trauma
  • Treatment Plan Project: Submit a structured 6-session plan for one case
  • Final Exam: Written + practical demonstration
  • Minimum Score: 70% for certification

. REQUIRED MATERIALS & RESOURCES
​Core Texts
  • Beck, J. S. (2021). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond
  • Greenberger, D., & Padesky, C. (2015). Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think
  • Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Assessment Tools
  • PHQ-9 (Depression)
  • GAD-7 (Anxiety)
  • PCL-5 (PTSD/Trauma)
  • Daily Thought Record Templates
  • CBT Worksheets

. CERTIFICATION
​Participants who successfully complete all modules, assignments, and the final exam will receive a Certificate of Completion: CBT Practitioner (Specialization in Depression, Anxiety & Trauma).