ACOM / Study / Units / C9223C Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

C9223C Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

This unit offers helping professionals an understanding of the therapeutic principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 2

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Prerequisite

18cp of Counselling theory units

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

80% attendance at the facilitation is required for this unit. No recordings will be available.

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 2 2025 Online Facilitation 12pm – 3pm
(AEST)
Wednesday 4 June
Wednesday 18 June
Wednesday 2 July
Wednesday 16 July
Wednesday 30 July
Dr Art Wouters & Philip Milligan

Unit Details

This unit offers helping professionals an understanding of the therapeutic principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Students will gain an understanding of CBT, and will apply empirically-validated techniques to assess, conceptualise, and help people from a cognitive-behavioural orientation. Specific skills to be discussed and developed include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

 

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate key theoretical assumptions of the prominent cognitive behavioural therapies, and explore their similarities and differences.
  2. Assess client needs through the interviewing process and formulate a CBT Case Conceptualisation and therapy plan.
  3. Organise and structure therapy sessions to establish a collaborative relationship between client and therapist, facilitating meaningful self-discoveries that contribute to change.
  4. Engage in critical self-reflection regarding their experience and use of cognitive behavioural therapies within a counselling session.
  5. Integrate and apply distinct CBT theories, processes and strategies in a client directed manner.

 

  1. Introduction and foundations of cognitive behavioural therapies, including CBT, DBT, ACT and Schema.
  2. Fundamental principles and skills of CBT and DBT, and their practical application within a counselling relationship.
  3. Cognitive behavioural assessment techniques and case conceptualisation skills.
  4. Integration of distinct cognitive behavioural approaches alongside a Christian worldview.
  5. Cognitive behavioural skills for a range of client presentations, including anxiety, low mood, anger management.
  1. Roleplay and Reflection Paper (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 3
  2. Needs Assessment, Case Conceptualisation and Treatment Plan (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Week 5
  3. Automatic Thoughts Skill Demonstration and Critique (20%)
    Word Limit: 400 + video
    Due: Week 7
  4. Group Psychoeducational Video (15%)
    Due: Week 9
  5. Third-Wave Roleplay (15%)
    Word Limit: 300 + video
    Due: Week 11
  6. Theory Paper (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Week 12
  • Beck, J. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy 3/e: Basics and beyond. The Guilford Press.
  • McKay, M., Wood, J., Brantley, J. (2019). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook. New Harbinger.

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Tessa Sedawie – Bachelor of Ministry

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My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
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