Approaches to Long Term Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms for Cognitive Behaviour Therapists
University Certificate in Postgraduate Professional Development

Course overview

This level 7 award enables experienced practitioners with professional accreditation in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to increase their theoretical and research knowledge with respect to long term physical conditions and medically unexplained symptoms.

In the context of working with people with anxiety and depression, the purpose of the award is twofold. Firstly, to develop a greater understanding of the issues involved in long-term health conditions and medically unexplained symptoms. Secondly to develop the skills necessary for working with people with anxiety disorders or depression in the context of long-term health conditions and people with distressing medically unexplained symptoms.An un-accredited option of this module is available.

Where you study

This award is delivered at the Centre for Professional and Executive Development, Darlington campus.

Course details

What you study

• Beliefs, values and assumptions about people with long-term health conditions
• Knowledge of physical health conditions and their presentation and impact on the person
• Psychological processes associated with distress, depression and anxiety in the context of LTHC's
• Conducting a comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessment, formulation and treatment planning, including the partner/significant other in assessment and treatment
• Working within and across organisations
• Adapting CBT for anxiety and depression in the context of LTHC's, promoting cognitive and behaviour change, and self-management
• Working with people with persistent and distressing physical symptoms/conditions currently labelled as medically unexplained
• Knowledge of the physicality of specific health conditions: Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME); chronic pain; psychological interventions for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); Coronary Heart Disease (CHD); cancer.

How you learn

A range of strategies are used to support learning in the classroom including short lectures, presentations, roleplays and other activities. You are encouraged to share experiences and learning with other students, deliver presentations and facilitate group work. Scenario-based seminars develop your decision making and problem solving skills.

The e-learning environment is used extensively both before and between the face-to-face study days.


How you are assessed

Summative assessment comprises two components:

1. Video recording of a clinical session
Students will undertake a clinical session with a service user with anxiety disorders or depression in the context of a long term health condition or experience of distressing medically unexplained symptoms.

2. A 4000 word case report
Students will produce a case report that evaluates the process and outcome of CBT with a service user with anxiety disorder or depression in the context of a long term health condition or experience of distressing medically unexplained symptoms.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You must have BABCP professional accreditation as a CBT therapist and be employed as high intensity therapist within an IAPT registered provider service.

Employability

Career opportunities

This award enables BABCP accredited CBT therapists to both increase your theoretical and research knowledge in working with people with anxiety disorders or depression in the context of long-term physical health conditions (LTHCs) and with people who experience persistent and distressing medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and the skills necessary to deliver evidence-based treatments when working with people with anxiety disorders or depression in the context of LTHCs and people with distressing MUS.