COUN6931 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Specialisation

Master Course Unit

COUN6931 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Specialisation

Level: Masters

Credit points: 4

Prerequisites: Advanced Counselling Applications

Recommended Prerequisites: Approaches to Therapy I and Approaches to Therapy II

Unit description

This unit provides a comprehensive foundation in cognitive behavioural psychotherapeutic approaches. It examines the application of several highly effective and researched approaches to promoting change in inappropriate or unhelpful thinking. As studies have shown cognitive approaches to be the preferred treatment approach to a variety of conditions and problem sets, this unit also discusses specific mental health issues and explores the use of cognitive therapy concepts and components to relieve symptoms of those disorders.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to: 

  • critically reflect on the numerous cognitive behavioural models as they are applied to a variety of disorders
  • conduct a behavioural analysis to identify factors maintaining problematic behaviours
  • use a wide range of tools and conceptualisations to integrate therapy and behavioural interventions
  • develop a treatment rationale and mutual goal setting
  • conduct assessment procedures
  • implement client skills training in cognitive restructuring and problem-solving
  • formulate cognitive dimensions and present frameworks for change
  • integrate a theoretical approach into your professional practice

Unit content

  • Applications of CBT
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Strategies
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Depression and Anxiety Disorders
  • Obsessions and Compulsions and Related Conditions
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders
  • Suicide and Self-Harm
  • Anger Control and Aggressive Behaviour
  • Future Developments in Cognitive Therapy

Unit workload

The workload for this unit is 13 hours per week.

Assignment summary

Type

Weighting

Word count

Week

Reflective Essay

50%

 3000

8

Academic Essay

50%

   3000

11

Graduate attributes

The following graduate attributes will be developed in this unit:

  • Creative self-expression
  • Reasoned criticism
  • Multiple research methodologies
  • Complex data acquisition techniques and analysis
  • Written expression and reasoned argument from empirical data
  • Evaluating possible outcomes of alternative courses of action

Recommended text

Leahy, R. L. (Ed). (2006). Contemporary cognitive therapy: Theory, research, and practice. New York: The Guilford Press.

Academic misconduct

Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer tohttp://currentstudents.acap.edu.au/assets/Managing-My-Course/A-Z-Policies/Academic-Misconduct-Policy.pdf for full details of the Academic Misconduct Policy.

Disclaimer

This unit outline may be updated and amended from time to time. To ensure you have the correct outline please check it again at the beginning of the semester.