Overview
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to practice within a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) framework. You will explore the various cognitive and experiential components of CBT, and demonstrate your ability to critically reflect upon the needs of the client and the practitioner through CBT case conceptualisation/formulation. You will use technical, cognitive, and communication skills to engage in effective CBT practice, investigate client needs, across a variety of client presentations (e.g. cultural diversity, across the lifespan, differing diagnoses).
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in the Master of Professional Psychology course.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback
Textbook was useful, practical and will be an ongoing resource in practice.
Retain text due to its practicality and ease of sharing knowledge by text and included video resources.
Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback
Break out rooms used in Zoom provided the opportunity to bring theory and practice together - went out of our comfort zones and gathered valuable experience.
Continue to use break out rooms during class time to allow students the opportunity to combine theory and practice.
Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback
Would have liked more discussion around cultural considerations for CBT.
Suggest the inclusion of more discussion around cultural considerations for CBT. This could also provide the opportunity for students to practice searching the literature to discover such considerations and bringing to class for group discussions.
- Apply effective therapeutic and communication skills to demonstrate a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy conceptualisations, treatment plans and strategies
- Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate, evaluate, and share psychological knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Critically analyse therapeutic practice including technical skills and application of knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Learning outcomes are related to core competencies stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), program of study criteria as stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 40% | |||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20% | |||
| 4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 40% | |||||||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20% | |||||||||
| 4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0% | |||||||||
Textbooks
Learning Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy: An Illustrated Guide
- 2nd edition (2017)
- Authors: Wright, J.H., Wright, M., Brown, J., Thase, G., Ramirez Basco, M.
- American Psychiatric Association Publishing
- Arlington Arlington , Virginia , United States
- ISBN: 978-1615370184
- Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.g.mason@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Unit Introduction, Assessment and Reflective practice in CBT
Chapter
READ:
From your PSYC20056 text: Boyle & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 2
Additional reading material this week can be found on Moodle under week 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Basic Principles of Cognitive Therapy
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 1
Australian Psychological Soceity (APS) Code of Ethics (2007), standard A.3. Informed consent
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021Module/Topic
The Therapeutic Relationship
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 2
From your PSYC20056 text: Boyle & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 5
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 1 and 2 (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Assessment and Formulation
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 3
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Structuring and Educating
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 4
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 3 and 4 (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Working with Automatic Thoughts
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 5
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Review video 2 and watch videos 5 to 11 inclusive (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Behavioural Methods I: Improving mood, increasing energy, completing tasks, and solving problems
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 6
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 12 to 15 inclusive (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 03 May 2021Module/Topic
Behavioural Methods II: Reducing anxiety and breaking patterns of avoidance
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 7
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 16 to 19 inclusive (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 10 May 2021Module/Topic
Modifying Schemas
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 8
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 20, 21, and 22 (Wright et al., 2017)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 17 May 2021Module/Topic
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy to reduce Suicide Risk
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 9
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
WATCH:
Video 23
Events and Submissions/Topic
You will be in Rockhampton for PSYC20055 residential school this week.
CBT Techniques and Reflection Due: Week 10 Monday (17 May 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Week 11
Begin Date: 24 May 2021Module/Topic
Treating Chronic, Severe, or Complex Disorders
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 10
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 31 May 2021Module/Topic
Building Competence in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Chapter
READ:
Wright et al., (2017) - chapter 11
Check the unit's Moodle page under relevant week for any additional readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Logbook of Practicum Hours Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You will be required to develop and write a cognitive conceptualisation from a scenario provided during class in week 5. This assessment will include a 1-page dot-point summary of your formulation using the 5P model, and completion of a CBT case conceptualisation worksheet adapted from Wright, Brown, Thase, & Ramirez Basco, 2017). An Information Sheet, Marking Rubric and the adapted conceptualisation worksheet will be found under the Assessment tab on Moodle in week 1.
Week 9 Monday (10 May 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload through Assessment portal on Moodle
Week 11 Friday (28 May 2021)
Feedback and grades will be uploaded through assessment portal on Moodle
This assessment will be marked out of 100 and is worth 40% of your overall grade for this unit.
The Marking Rubric will consist of a Part A (25 marks) and Part B (75 marks) and will be designed in accordance with the information required in a CBT case conceptualisation. A detailed Marking Rubric will be available under the Assessment tab on the unit's Moodle page in week 1.
- Apply effective therapeutic and communication skills to demonstrate a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy conceptualisations, treatment plans and strategies
- Critically analyse therapeutic practice including technical skills and application of knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
2 Reflective Practice Assignment
This assessment will require you to choose five (5) CBT techniques/strategies which you will use yourself for at least three (3) days. You will then provide a written piece explaining what each technique/strategy is, how it is implemented, how you found using the technique/strategy, and how it has altered your perception for use by clients. The word limit for this reflection is 2,500 words (+ or - 10%), not including your reference list. This allows approximately 500 words for each technique/strategy. The materials used by yourself (e.g. automatic thought record etc) are to be added as appendices and submitted with your assessment.
Note: This assessment is one you can commence working on very early in term and space out.
Week 10 Monday (17 May 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Upload through Assessment portal on Moodle
Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021)
Feedback and grades will be uploaded through assessment portal on Moodle
This assessment is worth 20% of your overall grade. A detailed marking rubric will be uploaded to the Moodle page under the Assessment tab in week 1.
Criteria will be related to:
- Accuracy of explanation of technique (e.g. What is the technique; Why and when used; Type of client)
- Strengths or limitations identified with the technique
- Strength of link between personal experience and professional context
- Connection between learning and future practice
- Adherence to APA referencing style.
- Critically analyse therapeutic practice including technical skills and application of knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 Practical Assessment
This assessment requires you to video record yourself (therapist) and a fellow student (client) demonstrating the following:
- 1 x 10 minute video recording - CBT Introduction part of an initial session AND
- 1 x 10 minute video recording - Introduction/explanation of a CBT strategy/technique.
Note: You may choose to record this assessment in person with your fellow student during a Course Residential School in week 10, or you may complete the recording via zoom at anytime throughout the term. If you do choose to record in person during the residential school you will need to have chosen the CBT strategy/technique you wish to use prior to ensure you are prepared and ready to record.
Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Recording to be saved and emailed/shared with Unit Coordinator for marking
Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)
Feedback and grade will be uploaded through the assessment portal on Moodle
Assessment criteria will be based upon demonstration of the following:
- Adherence to Australian Psychology Society (APS) Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines
- Maintains collaborative empirical alliance
- Expresses appropriate empathy, genuineness
- Demonstrates accurate understanding
- Maintains appropriate professionalism and boundaries
- Elicits and gives appropriate feedback from/to client
- Demonstrates knowledge of CBT model
- Demonstrates ability to use chosen technique
- Applies CBT method in flexible manner that meets the needs of the client
A detailed marking rubric will be found under the Assessment tab on the Unit's Moodle page in week one.
- Apply effective therapeutic and communication skills to demonstrate a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy conceptualisations, treatment plans and strategies
- Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate, evaluate, and share psychological knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
4 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
You are required to complete your electronic logbook as required throughout the term. Your logbook will be checked during individual supervision sessions throughout the term.
You must email a copy of your electronic logbook to the Unit Coordinator by Friday of Week 12. How to use and record information in your electronic logbook will be discussed at length during week 1.
Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Email to Unit Coordinator
Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)
Grade will be entered into Moodle.
There will be a tiered approach to pass: 1. On target; 2. Sufficient progress; 3. Plan in place.
- Demonstrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate, evaluate, and share psychological knowledge relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
