Behavioural Activation as a treatment for Depression
A user-friendly Cognitive and Behavioural Treatment Protocol
Integrate good CBT into your practice
Why do this course?
Even before COVID-19, reports from the HRB indicated that about 10% of the Irish population were experiencing depression and that over a million GP consultations, in a given year, were for mental health problems. This same report recommended the need for training and ‘to increase the range of mental health professionals (e.g. counsellors and psychologists) and community supports that primary care staff can access…’.
In 2021, the situation has obviously become much more challenging: how do we help more people who are experiencing difficulties with depression? How can we be more effective – even when we need to work remotely with our clients? As counsellors/psychotherapists, we know that, while depression can become a chronic and recurring illness, it is treatable! And those experiencing depression deserve tailored psychological treatments that are both timely and highly effective.
“Therapy is not like anti-depressants: it differs according to who provides it. We know how well it can work if it is provided by properly qualified people, and most studies suggest it is much less effective if given by less qualified people. Indeed, if badly done, it can even do harm.”
THE DEPRESSION REPORT: A New Deal for Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Behavioural Activation, as a (stand-alone) Treatment for Depression (BATD), is a specific, structured, and brief treatment programme. It has been shown to be ‘as efficacious as
antidepressant medications and to have slight advantage over CT (cognitive therapy) in the treatment of moderate to severe depression’.
Furthermore, its relative simplicity to deliver, makes BATD a wonderful way for more health professionals and psychotherapists (from different theoretical backgrounds and training), to help a greater number of clients/patients who present with depression. While it is a ‘stand-alone’ treatment, it can obviously be delivered as part of a broader counselling experience.
This online course will introduce healthcare practitioners and psychotherapists to the information necessary to begin a brief, but effective, effective therapy programme with the client who presents with mild, uncomplicated, depression. This will allow the further development of the skills necessary to competently and safely deliver BATD - without having to invest in a lengthy core training course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
In 2021, the situation has obviously become much more challenging: how do we help more people who are experiencing difficulties with depression? How can we be more effective – even when we need to work remotely with our clients? As counsellors/psychotherapists, we know that, while depression can become a chronic and recurring illness, it is treatable! And those experiencing depression deserve tailored psychological treatments that are both timely and highly effective.
“Therapy is not like anti-depressants: it differs according to who provides it. We know how well it can work if it is provided by properly qualified people, and most studies suggest it is much less effective if given by less qualified people. Indeed, if badly done, it can even do harm.”
THE DEPRESSION REPORT: A New Deal for Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Behavioural Activation, as a (stand-alone) Treatment for Depression (BATD), is a specific, structured, and brief treatment programme. It has been shown to be ‘as efficacious as
antidepressant medications and to have slight advantage over CT (cognitive therapy) in the treatment of moderate to severe depression’.
Furthermore, its relative simplicity to deliver, makes BATD a wonderful way for more health professionals and psychotherapists (from different theoretical backgrounds and training), to help a greater number of clients/patients who present with depression. While it is a ‘stand-alone’ treatment, it can obviously be delivered as part of a broader counselling experience.
This online course will introduce healthcare practitioners and psychotherapists to the information necessary to begin a brief, but effective, effective therapy programme with the client who presents with mild, uncomplicated, depression. This will allow the further development of the skills necessary to competently and safely deliver BATD - without having to invest in a lengthy core training course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
What will I get from this course?
At the end of this course, participants will be able to;
- Explain the history and evolution of CBT treatments for Depression
- Describe the theory of BA (Behavioural Activation as a Treatment for Depression)
- State the rationale for either integrating this protocol – or delivering it as a stand-alone treatment for Depression
- Assess, Diagnose and Measure Depression
- Develop a BA case formulation , using the Martell model.
- Present the BA therapy plan to the client
- Deliver a brief treatment of BA for mild, uncomplicated depression
- Examine – and explain - the role of RUMINATING in causing and maintaining Depression.
- Explain and develop the use 'RE-FOCUS ACTIVITIES' and 'VALUED ACTIVITIES'.
- Explain how, why and when to introduce Cognitive Therapy for Depression – or not?
- Identify ways to maintain therapy gains and manage Relapse.
Is this course suitable for me?
This course is influenced by the amazing work being done in the UK on ‘Improving access to psychological therapies’(IAPT). Extensive clinical studies have shown that ‘low intensity’ cognitive behavioural interventions can be delivered, safely and competently, by psychotherapists from different theoretical backgrounds - as well as other healthcare practitioners (GPs, practice nurses, social workers…)
If you work regularly with clients/patients (adults and teens) who struggle with mild-moderate depression and/or anxiety – then this course will add tremendously to your skills and your confidence in working with this group. Prior introductory training in CBT, while of course beneficial, is not necessary.
If you want a high-value learning experience that fully equips you to deliver a proven treatment intervention, with confidence and expertise – then this is the course for you!
If you work regularly with clients/patients (adults and teens) who struggle with mild-moderate depression and/or anxiety – then this course will add tremendously to your skills and your confidence in working with this group. Prior introductory training in CBT, while of course beneficial, is not necessary.
If you want a high-value learning experience that fully equips you to deliver a proven treatment intervention, with confidence and expertise – then this is the course for you!
How is the course structured?
Quality learning demands our full attention - which is why we have arranged this course into manageable modules. There are approximately four hours of audio-visual presentations (PPP's) in total: Eight modules, each about 30-40 minutes long (easily digestible!).
Also, you will have opportunities to view simulated therapy clips to add depth to your learning and understanding of key techniques. All of this allows you to complete this course at your own pace and to get the maximum learning value from it.
Each of the four sections is followed by a Quiz – which must be submitted. Submission of the final quiz will signal your completion of the course. The pass mark for the Quiz is 75%.
Also, you will have opportunities to view simulated therapy clips to add depth to your learning and understanding of key techniques. All of this allows you to complete this course at your own pace and to get the maximum learning value from it.
Each of the four sections is followed by a Quiz – which must be submitted. Submission of the final quiz will signal your completion of the course. The pass mark for the Quiz is 75%.
About the Presenter:
Rosario has been providing psychotherapy, as an independent practitioner, for the past twenty years. Specialising in treating Depression and the Anxiety disorders, using integrated cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Rosario has remained committed to excellence in the delivery of; psychotherapy, supervision, online resources and courses, and the training of other psychotherapists and healthcare professionals in the delivery of ‘good CBT’, using specific treatment protocols.
With a Masters degree in Family Therapy & Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a certificate in clinical Supervision, among others, Rosario is also an accredited member of both BACP and BABCP.
With a Masters degree in Family Therapy & Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a certificate in clinical Supervision, among others, Rosario is also an accredited member of both BACP and BABCP.