Cognitive and behavioral models in clinical practice

Pre-requisites: Rational-emotive behavior therapy

Course objectives: The aim of the course is to learn about the multiple ways that can be used to deal with client's problems from the cognitive-behavioral perspective, increasing the flexibility in thinking about cases and the capacity to build a therapeutic alliance with clients from the perspective of cognitive-behavior therapies.

Course description: The course provides a broad and comprehensive framework for understanding the contemporary perspectives in theory, practice and research of the so-called "second" and "third" wave of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Topics: 1. basic postulates of contemporary CBT models, 2. therapeutic methods of contemporary CBT models including case conceptualization, methods of assessment, therapeutic relationship and process, cognitive, emotive and behavioral techniques; 3. process and outcome research, current issues and future direction in CBT. The following treatments will be considered: cognitive therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, problem solving therapy, scheme therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectic behavior therapy, behavioral activation therapy, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, compassion focused therapy, cognitive-analytic therapy, cognitive therapy focused on emotions and positive psychology and therapy.

Learning Outcomes: Students will acquire knowledge about theoretical postulates and therapeutic procedures from a wide range of cognitive and behavioral models. The course will also improve assessment skills, case conceptualization skills and treatment planning.

Literature/Reading:

• Kazantzis, N., Reinecke, M. A., Freeman, A. (Eds.) (2010). Cognitive and Behavioral Theories in Clinical Practice. New York, London, The Guilford Press.
• Boisseau, C. L., Farchione, T. J., Fairholme, C. P., Ellard, K. K., & Barlow, D. H. (2010). The development of the unified protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: A case study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 17, 102-113.
• Dobson, K. S. (Ed.) (2010). Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, New York, London, The Guilford Press.
• Forman, E. M., Shaw, J. A., Goetter, E. M., Herbert, J. D., Park, J. A. & Yuen, E. K. (2012). Long term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing acceptance and commitment therapy and standard cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety and depression. Behavior Therapy, 43, 801-811. .
• Gilbert, P. & Irons, C. (2005). Focused therapies and compassionate mind training for shame and self-attacking. In P. Gilbert (Es.), Compassion: conceptualizations, research and use in psychotherapy. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
• Hays, D. G., Prosek, E. A., McLeod, A. L. (2010). A mixed methodological analysis of the role of culture in the clinical decision making process. Journal of Counseling and Development, 88, 110-121
• McNulty, J. K. & Fincham, F. D. (2012). Beyond positive psychology? Toward a contextual view of psychological processes and well-being. American Psychologist, 67, 101-110.
• Park, C. L. (2010). Making sense of the meaning literature: An integrative review of meaning making and its effects on adjustment to stressful life events. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 257-301.