Last Updated on December 28, 2022
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is one of the most prevalent, widely-respected models used in psychotherapy today. In the decades since its inception, thousands of studies have repeatedly proven its effectiveness and efficacy in treating hundreds of mental health, health and sub-clinical issues, such as perfectionism, self-esteem, anger and self-injury. It is a concrete, active therapy that delivers interventions that work. Our innovative CBT certificate training program will give you the skills, confidence and knowledge to bring this therapeutic model to your work, and empower you to help others transform their lives.
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ABOUT LAURIER’S CBT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Held online or in-class in Kitchener, our CBT certificate is comprised of two levels. Both levels must be completed to receive the CBT certificate.
Level I will introduce participants to the full set of core cognitive behaviour interventions to treat a broad array of presenting problems and disorders. This training will help participants form professionally excellent cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, teaching about session structure and evaluation, assessment and treatment planning, cognitive restructuring and changing behavioural responses. Participants will learn interventions they can immediately begin putting into practice professionally as well as personally, across age populations (yes, including children and adolescents).
In Level II, participants will learn how to expertly use the core CBT skills and interventions learned in Level I in application to the most prevalent DSM-V disorders, focusing on either adults or children and youth. Alternatively, Level II can be a focus exclusively on how to use CBT to treat trauma. Level II best prepares you to treat the most presenting mental health disorders expertly and masterfully from assessment to treatment completion, providing all the worksheets and interventions you will need.
Each level consists of 36 hours of instruction, plus readings and assignments that are done outside the classroom. Courses ae designed to fit into any busy professional’s life and are offered in a variety of formats:
- Weekend Intensive Program: Class is held over six days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in two sessions of three days each (Kitchener location). For the spring of 2021, these courses are being live streamed through Zoom.
- Summer Intensive: Class is held five consecutive days during the summer (Kitchener location).
- Online: 12-week program that can be completed from any location.
CBT ONLINE
The content of our online CBT program is the same as it is in-class. The only difference is the format. At the beginning of the course you’ll be introduced to the learning objectives and then watch a video called Learning in Context that explains how the learning fits into practice and why it’s needed.
You don’t have to log on to the course at any particular time, but the course is broken into 12 separate weeks so you are required to log on and complete the work each week. Each weekly lesson includes:
- Written lectures for you to read.
- Recorded demos of the interventions being delivered for you to watch.
- Mandatory discussion boards in which you answer questions about how to apply that week’s learning to two case examples.
- Submitted weekly assignments (Level I only).
- Assigned textbook readings.
- A quiz.
In addition to the mandatory discussion posts, we also encourage you to network and share your thoughts and experiences about CBT with other participants in the course through the discussion board.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The CBT certificate is open to professionals and graduate students across disciplines and worksites. To be eligible for the program, you must have completed a degree in a relevant field or have a minimum of three years experience working in mental health, education, healthcare or a related field. Contact Lynne Jordan at 519-884-0710 ext. 5265 if you require additional information.
To be eligible for Level II, you must have completed Level I (or an approved equivalent). To enhance your learning and ability to apply the material covered in this course, it is also highly beneficial to have past, current or anticipated experience working within a mental health setting.
These courses focus on the protocols and application of cognitive behaviour therapy. Basic therapy skills (e.g. empathy, active listening, etc.), conducting assessments and setting and working with goals are required for success in this program but will not be covered in Level I or Level II.
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
To receive the CBT certificate you must successfully complete Level I and Level II. For Level II, you can choose between the following three courses:
- Level II: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mental Health Disorders
- Level II: The Essentials of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Youth
- Level II: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Trauma
Note: You do not have to be working towards completing the CBT certificate to take the Level I course.
BECOMING A THERAPIST
Completing this CBT certificate will not qualify you to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario.
COURSES
PARTNERSHIP WITH QUALIA COUNSELLING SERVICES
All CBT programs at Laurier are offered in partnership with Qualia Counselling Services, a cognitive behaviour therapy, coaching and training clinic with offices in Kitchener, Waterloo and Six Nations First Nation. Qualia Counselling provides CBT services across Ontario to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Qualia is the only specialized clinic of its kind, employing a team of approximately 40 clinicians and administrators. The agency is led by a team of three: Thomas Brown and Brett and Charity Fleming. Providing psychotherapy, supervision, coaching and training through core values of professional excellence, anti-oppression, integrity and genuine caring is at the heart of Qualia’s vision to unlock human potential. To learn more about Qualia visit qualiacounselling.com.
LEVEL I: FUNDAMENTALS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY
Online 2020/2021 Course Dates
- February 8 to May 2, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- March 8 to May 30, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Sarah Gross, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- April 12 to July 4, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- April 26 to July 18, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Shaun Metz, BEd, MSc, Registered Psychotherapist
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- May 10 to August 1, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- June 7 to August 29, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Sarah Gross, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
In-Person 2020/2021 Course Dates
- April 16, 17 & 18 and May 14, 15 & 16, 2021 –– Live Stream (Zoom)
- Format: Weekend Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Susan Reid, BA (Hons), BSW, MSW, RSW, MEd
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- June 14 to 18, 2021
- Format: Summer Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Thomas Brown, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- July 12 to 16, 2021
- Format: Summer Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Susan Reid, BA (Hons), BSW, MSW, RSW, MEd
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
Course Description
This foundational course will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the core tenets, tools and interventions used within the cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) model. The interventions introduced will give participants a beginner’s edge in how to best harness the power of this widely recommended and evidence-based psychotherapy. Participants will learn with rigour the structure, session format and cognitive and behavioural interventions necessary to begin treatment across populations and presenting issues. Participants will be provided handouts and techniques to use with all ages, including children and adolescents. Through a variety of teaching methods, including lecture, intervention delivery and use demonstrations, clinical practice worksheets and role play, participants will learn which CBT interventions to use and how to best provide psychoeducation for, and apply, these interventions across varying client issues. Participants will finish this course with a comprehensive beginner’s knowledge about CBT and a set of interventions from which to start helping others restructure their cognitions and behaviours.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and use every core CBT intervention.
- Complete thorough case conceptualization/formulation using a CBT model.
- Identify and use CBT session structure, components and therapist evaluation.
- Use a variety of core cognitive techniques to restructure thinking.
- Identify cognitive styles and distortions and best techniques to help develop balanced thought patterns.
- Identify behavioural responses to distressing situations and how to use behaviour interventions to increase feelings of hope, self-worth and happiness.
- Competently deliver exposure response prevention therapy.
- Use CBT across age populations, with adults, adolescents and children.
Prerequisite
This course is open to helping professionals of every kind across disciplines and worksites, including current graduate students.
This workshop has been pre-approved for 12 continuing education credits by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Register for Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
LEVEL II: COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Online 2020/2021 Course Dates
- January 25 to April 18, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- May 3 to July 25, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Sarah Gross, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
In-Class 2020/2021 Course Dates
- April 9, 10 & 11 and May 7, 8 & 9, 2021 — Live Stream (Zoom)
- Format: Weekend Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Thomas Brown, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
- August 16 to 20, 2021
- Format: Summer Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Susan Reid, BA (Hons), BSW, MSW, RSW, MEd
- Cost: $1,100 (plus textbooks)
Course Description
First practiced in the area of clinical depression, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is now recognized as a highly effective therapy for most mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorders, ADHD and trauma. In this advanced level course, participants will learn how to apply the CBT interventions learned in Level I to clinical (DSM-5) and sub-clinical issues. Today, CBT is also widely used with sub-clinical issues that precede mental health disorders – often referred to as the stressors of the “worried well” – such as perfectionism, guilt and shame, procrastination and self-esteem concerns. In this advanced course participants will hone their skills to assess the symptoms of these disorders and sub-clinical issues, apply the most effective CBT interventions to treat the presenting symptoms and understand and use step-by-step CBT protocols.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Establish a non-medical but sophisticated understanding of the most prevalent mental health disorders across the lifespan.
- Understand responsible, interdisciplinary care of mental health disorders, including the breadth of professional scope.
- Become competent using proper screens and measurements for initial assessment and ongoing symptom surveillance.
- Gain knowledge of CBT protocols for the most commonly experienced mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, bipolar disorders, etc.).
- Develop tactical skills that will allow the helping professional run sessions suited to various disorders with a solid rationale as to why.
- Be able to recognize when therapy is moving along successfully.
- Gain an effective understanding of CBT clinical supervision models and be able to employ use of self throughout the therapeutic relationship.
Prerequisite
This course is open to anyone who has completed Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (or an approved equivalent) and is an active helping professional with regular patient/client contact. Case studies will be provided for those who do not have access to current/recent caseloads.
Register for Level II: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mental Health Disorders
Note: This course has been pre-approved for 36 continuing education credits by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
LEVEL II: THE ESSENTIALS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Online 2020/2021 Course Dates
- April 19 to July 11, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus course pack)
In-Class 2020/2021 Course Dates
- July 19 to 23, 2021
- Format: Summer Intensive
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Jennifer Hackbart, BASc, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,100 (plus course pack)
Course Description
In this course participants will learn strategies to unlock the power of the CBT model for the often more challenging and cognitively diverse clients ranging in ages from two to seventeen.
Specifically, participants will learn to tailor and apply the CBT techniques and interventions acquired in Level I to a subset of mental health and sub-clinical issues across various stages of development in children and youth.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of cognitive behavioural play therapy and have ideas and tools you can begin using immediately in sessions with children and adolescents.
- Have the facts and research about the most prevalent child and adolescent presenting problems and contributors to these.
- Assess and identify symptoms related to DSM-5 disorders and other presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and adolescent addiction.
- Know how to use and adapt the cognitive therapy rating scale (CTRS) components to work with children and adolescents throughout sessions.
- Know steps for delivering the best CBT protocols and discern delivery of interventions for:
- level of cognitive development
- within the family system
- in consideration of attachment
Creative CBT delivery methods and techniques, such as the use of play, games, object lessons and popular culture will be explored and ideas given and demonstrated so participants leave with a broad range of interventions they can begin using in child and youth mental health, school and community-based settings.This course is designed to be both educational and fun!
Prerequisite
This course is open to anyone who has completed Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (or an approved equivalent) and is an active helping professional with regular patient/client interactions. Case studies will be provided for those who do not have access to current/recent caseloads.
Register for Level II: The Essentials of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Youth
Note: This course has been pre-approved for 36 continuing education credits by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
LEVEL II: COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY FOR TRAUMA
Online 2020/2021 Course Dates
- Febuary 22 to May 16, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program plus three one-hour period supervision sessions
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Ezra Branderhorst, RSW
- Cost: $1,400 (textbooks not required)
- April 5 to June 27, 2021
- Format: Online 12-week program plus three one-hour period supervision sessions
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Bridget O’Hagan, MEd, Registered Psychotherapist
- Cost: $1,400 (textbooks not required)
In-Class 2020/2021 Course Dates
- April 23, 24 & 25 and June 4, 5 & 6, 2021 — Live Stream (Zoom)
- Format: Weekend Intensive plus three one-hour period supervision sessions
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Saria Reynolds, MSW, RSW
- Cost: $1,400 (textbooks not required)
- June 7 to 11, 2021
- Format: Summer Intensive plus three one-hour period supervision sessions
- Hours: 36
- Instructor: Susan Reid, BA (Hons), BSW, MSW, RSW, MEd
- Cost: $1,400 (textbooks not required)
Course Description
In this innovative course you will learn not only the neurobiological, psychosocial and emotional impacts of trauma but also the specially engineered cognitive behavioural interventions to help your clients process, recover and even grow from their traumatic experiences and history. Based on the most forefront bodies and fields of trauma research and knowledge, this course will guide you through assessment, in-depth cognitive behaviour treatment techniques and post-traumatic recovery and growth for adults, children, adolescents and their caregivers. Special topics will include recovery techniques for the most common types of trauma in a Canadian context, like medical, complex, intergenerational, refugee and Indigenous historical trauma experiences. Handouts and video demos will enrich your clinical toolkit, as well as additional peer supervision sessions following the completion of the course.
Peer Supervision
At the beginning of the course you will be assigned to a small peer supervision group (maximum three participants per group). Upon completion of the 36 hour course, each group will meet monthly for a peer supervision session, for a period of three months. Each one-hour peer supervision session will be offered virtually through video conferencing, and will be led by a CBT for Trauma trainer. These peer supervision sessions are mandatory and make up sessions are not available. Once you have been assigned to a group, you must attend all three supervision sessions with that group in order to complete the course.
The focus of the sessions will be case conceptualization and treatment delivery/planning, as well as participant support. Each week one participant will be responsible for presenting a case that the group will then discuss and analyze from a CBT for Trauma perspective. Each participant will be required to present one case in total.
Prior to the start of the course, you will be able to select two time slots that are most convenient for you to participant in the peer supervision (i.e. morning, lunch, afternoon, evening, weekend). We will do our best to assign you to a peer supervision group during that time slot.
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks for this course. All required material will be provided during the course.
Prerequisite
This course is open to anyone who has completed Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (or an approved equivalent) and is in an active helping professional with regular patient/client contact.
Register for Level II: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Trauma
READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Participants should plan on two to six hours per week of time outside the classroom dedicated to readings and assignments. Assignments can include pre-readings, clinical worksheets, discussion questions and a group assignment. Assignments will receive a pass/fail designation.
TEXTBOOKS
Participants are responsible for purchasing the following textbooks:
Level I: The Fundamentals of CBT
- Beck, J. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. New York: Guilford Press. Second edition.
- Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C. A. (2015). Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. New York: Guilford Press. Second edition.
If you are registered for an intensive program, please read these texts before the course starts. For the 12-week program, readings will be assigned each week.
Level II: CBT with Mental Health Disorders
- Leahy, Holland, and McGinn (2011). Treatment Plans and Interventions for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. New York: Guilford Press. Second edition.
- Paris, Joel (2015). The Intelligent Clinician’s Guide to the DSM-5RG. New York: Oxford University Press. Second edition.
- OPTIONAL: Frances, Allen (2013). Saving Normal: An Insider’s Revolt Against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis, DSM-5, Big Pharma and the Medicalization of Ordinary Life. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
If you are registered for an intensive program, please read these texts before the course starts. For the 12-week program, readings will be assigned each week.
Level II: The Essentials of CBT with Children and Youth
A variety of resources have been assembled into a course pack that is available for purchase through Laurier’s Professional Development office. The cost of the course pack is $145, including shipping.
Level II: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Trauma
There are no required textbooks for this course. All required material will be provided during the course.
MISSED CLASSES
Participants are expected to attend all instructional hours in full. Leaving early is not permitted. Participants may miss up to six hours of instructional hours without penalty. If attendance does not satisfy these requirements, the participant will not receive their certificate until the classes can be made up at the next available opportunity. Attendance will be taken mid-class (weekly evening courses) or both morning and afternoon (full-day courses).
COSTS
Cost is $1,100 to $1,400 per level. Course material is included. Textbooks are not included and are the responsibility of the participant to purchase. Estimated cost for textbooks is $100 to $150 per course.
Cancellations up to two weeks prior to start date are subject to a 15% administration fee. Cancellations within two weeks of the start date are not eligible for refund or credit.
ACCREDITATION
There are currently no accredited cognitive behaviour therapy training programs in Canada, as there is no formal accreditation process for CBT in Canada. When registering for CBT training program, it is important that you select a program you feel will empower you in your work context and that will be marketable in the workplace. This program has been designed with careful consideration to the needs of practicing professionals and has been included in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy’s list of recommended teaching and training courses.
