How to become a cognitive behavioural therapist UK

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a leading form of therapy in the UK and across the globe to treat various mental health conditions effectively. Becoming a cognitive behavioural therapist in the UK can be achieved through many routes, and can involve different stages. Here we will discuss some of these routes to becoming a cognitive behavioural therapist in the UK, what CBT training actually involves, and which form of training would best suit you.

Cognitive behavioural therapy training in the UK - How to become a CBT Therapist

There are many different paths you can take to become a cognitive behavioural therapist in the UK. Here are some that you can go down to achieve this:

• If you are already a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), you can become a High-Intensity CBT therapist (as long as you have 2 years of PWP experience) through applying for HI training. This can often occur under the NHS.

• You can apply for a Level 5 diploma in CBT which will allow you to practice CBT. You have to already hold the previous levels of diploma first or equivalent, such as a Level 4 Diploma.

• If you are in a core profession (such as nursing or occupational health), you can achieve it through gaining a master’s degree in CBT.

What’s involved in CBT training?

CBT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health problems. To list a few, it can treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. Learning about CBT can actually help you learn about these disorders, which is essential knowledge if you wish to pursue a career in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and CBT specifically. Things you may learn include potential triggers, thought patterns and beliefs, duration, alternative treatments, and behaviours associated with the mental health problem. It is emphasised in CBT training that CBT should be highly tailored to the mental health problem and the client, so each patient will have a different experience with you.

The theory behind CBT that you will learn is not enough to carry out effective CBT alone – it is imperative that you have real life experience of practicing therapy under supervision. This is included in the training; you will have access to hands-on practical experience for you to put your learning and theory into reality with a patient. In order to prepare you for this, your training will include role playing with your tutors and peers. You will also get the opportunity to spend time with clients which will fulfill your client hour requirements set out by the course. You will also have regular clinical supervision with your personal supervisor, so you have a space to express your concerns, achievements, and questions.

Online CBT diploma vs finding training near you

Depending on your personal preferences and what is available near you, you may have the choice to complete your training fully in person or partially online and partially in person. Either way, the course you choose will have been accredited by an accrediting body which will have set out guidelines of how the course will be carried out. This may include the specification that for partially online courses, the taught hours must be live, and that there is essential clinical work that is completed in person.

There are pros and cons for attending a course that is fully in person vs courses that are primarily remote. For instance, when they are remote, this helps with accessibility for those who don’t live near any in person courses’ locations, those with children, additional needs, or who can’t drive. It may be cheaper and work around your schedule more flexibly. However, you may feel as though you are missing out on that essential human interaction involved in CBT and you likely won’t see your peers and tutors as often, so you may not form as much of a relationship with them.

On the other hand, in person CBT training can offer you more face-to-face skills development. This may be more effective than learning through a screen and you are able to practice techniques and role-play with someone in person which is hugely beneficial. You will have the opportunity to create bonds and connections with those around you also. However, it is more of a travel commitment, and if you are someone who struggles with commutes, this will prove more difficult. Similarly, it will take much more of your time which will make it harder to logistically commit to.

Neither option should be considered as ‘better’. Even though in person courses are likely slightly more effective (they provide realistic experience, and peer learning), online courses can give much greater flexibility and access to specific courses as geographical location doesn’t hinder you nearly as much.

We hope this blog has helped you learn about how to become a cognitive behavioural therapist, what it involves, and how it can be conducted! If you are looking to train in a CPCAB accredited Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, we are currently taking applications for our September in-take.