11 Mar 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
Careers in Mental Health: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
Research shows that up to 75% of patients report significant improvements after receiving CBT, making it a popular specialism among therapists.
This post will guide you through the process of training and working as a cognitive behavioural therapist, offering practical insights and strategies to create a meaningful career in this field.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Understanding the fundamentals of CBT is crucial. This talking therapy method emphasises the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and practitioners are trained to help clients manage problems by changing the way they think and behave.
As a CBT practitioner, you will be trained to help clients in identifying and changing the way they think and behave. For example, this could involve helping a client realise that their fear of public speaking stems from exaggerated thoughts about being judged, allowing them to modify their behaviour and improve their overall wellbeing.
Grasping these principles will enrich your training experience and boost your effectiveness as a therapist.
Training
The first step to becoming a cognitive behavioural therapist is education and training. You will need to be trained to a postgraduate level in cognitive behavioural therapy and have experience of working in mental health.
- Achieve a relevant degree: Almost all post-graduate courses will have an entry requirement of a level 6 (degree level) qualification. This could be a Bachelor's degree in health and social care, for example, mental health nursing, social work counselling, art therapy or psychology. You may be a trained counsellor or psychotherapist, who has completed accredited training to Diploma Level 6 or equivalent.
- Gain relevant experience of working in mental health. You might be able to get a place on a postgraduate course without a degree if you have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
- Seek Mentorship and Supervision: Gain insights and practical skills by working alongside experienced professionals. Regular supervision will increase your confidence and readiness to handle complex client situations.
- Undertake in-depth CBT Training: Look for accredited post-graduate CBT training programme. You can work as a CBT therapist in different areas, including:
- Adults with severe mental health problems: Complete a postgraduate diploma in CBT for people with psychosis or bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or a personality disorder
- Children and young people: Complete a children and young people postgraduate diploma training course
- NHS Talking Therapy services: Complete a high intensity IAPT post graduate diploma training course.
You can also gain equivalent accreditation through other training and experience.
"CBT training will be at least the equivalent of a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or Masters’ degree. Therapists applying for accreditation must obtain at least 100 taught CBT skills and theory hours from a single, coherent and assessed Post Graduate programme of study from a higher education institution/validated training course. This is Level 11 in Scotland, Level 7 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and Level 9 in Ireland." BACBP
Regulation and registration
In the UK, cognitive behavioural therapists are not regulated by statutory laws. The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the Association of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (AREBT) work together to accredit CBT practitioners on the CBT Register UK.
The BABCP also has standards of conduct, performance, and ethics that practitioners must adhere to as the CBT Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Practitioners on the CBT Register UK can display the Accredited Registers Quality Mark, which shows that they meet the PSA's standards.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) also has an accredited register of chartered psychologists and wellbeing practitioners, some of whom specialise in CBT.
What core skills are required?
Beyond formal education, developing key skills is vital for your success as a cognitive behavioural therapist. By honing these skills, you enhance your effectiveness in therapy sessions and create a richer experience for your clients.
The core counselling skills and abilities include:
- Empathy and Active Listening: Building trust with clients is essential. By practicing active listening, you can actively grasp your clients' perspectives better. Repeating back what a client says can show them you have listened and value their feelings, thereby strengthening your therapeutic relationship.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: Critical assessment of clients' thoughts and behaviours is key. You might use techniques like thought records to help clients identify patterns in their thinking that lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
- Adaptability: Each client presents unique challenges. Being flexible in your approach allows you to tailor interventions to fit individual needs. For example, some clients may benefit from structured exercises, while others may prefer more discussion-based sessions.
Expanding Your Professional Circle
As you advance in your career, developing a strong professional network is vital. Here’s how to build connections in the field:
- Join Professional Associations: Membership bodies and organisations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to continuing education events.
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participating in these events allows you to connect with leading experts in the field. For example, attending the annual conference, peer network meetings, or CPD events can broaden your scope with new ideas and research findings.
- Engage in Peer Supervision Groups: Collaborating with fellow CBT practitioners creates a support system. Sharing experiences in case discussions can lead to enhanced learning and growth.
Creating a robust network will lay a foundation for collaboration and support, significantly benefiting your professional journey.
Expanding Your Professional Circle
As you advance in your career, developing a strong professional network is vital. Here’s how to build connections in the field:
- Join Professional Associations: Membership bodies and organisations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to continuing education events.
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participating in these events allows you to connect with leading experts in the field. For example, attending the annual conference, peer network meetings, or CPD events can broaden your scope with new ideas and research findings.
- Engage in Peer Supervision Groups: Collaborating with fellow CBT practitioners creates a support system. Sharing experiences in case discussions can lead to enhanced learning and growth.
Creating a robust network will lay a foundation for collaboration and support, significantly benefiting your professional journey.
Prioritising Your Wellbeing
As a cognitive behavioural therapist, your work can be emotionally demanding. To provide the best care, you must prioritise your mental health. Here are strategies to support your wellness:
- Maintain Work-Life Balance: Set clear boundaries with clients, and make time for personal interests and relationships outside of therapy.
- Seek Regular Supervision: Regular check-ins help you process experiences and challenges faced in your role. It provides a safe space to discuss difficult cases and your emotional responses.
- Engage in Professional Development: Continuously improve your skills by attending events and workshops focusing on self-care techniques for therapists.
Taking care of your wellbeing enables you to better support your clients, allowing you to model healthy behaviours to them.
Committing to Continuous Growth
The mental health field keeps evolving, making it essential to stay updated with new research and practices. Here are some ways to commit to lifelong learning:
- Read Current Literature: Engage with the latest articles and books related to CBT. For instance, members of the BABCP will have access to the latest magazines and journals that regularly publish findings that can deepen your understanding.
- Participate in Continuing Education: Seek training and workshops that cover emerging trends in therapy, ensuring you remain current in best practices.
- Conduct Research: If possible, participate in research projects related to CBT. Engaging in research fosters your understanding and contributes to advancements in the field.
Committing to continuous learning prepares you to be the best therapist you can be, keeping your skills sharp and your knowledge up-to-date.
Where do CBT practitioners work?
Once qualified, there is a wide variety of opportunities to work as a CBT practitioner.
This may include working in private practice, working for a charity or non-profit, or pursuing a career in the NHS.
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Final thoughts
Going down the path to becoming a cognitive behavioural therapist is a fulfilling endeavour. By focusing on your education, skill development, networking, self-care, and dedication to ongoing learning, you can excel in this essential therapeutic field.
As you embrace this journey, remember the profound influence you can have on your clients' lives. Implementing the strategies discussed will enrich your career while enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of those you serve.
Success in CBT stems not only from knowledge but also from your passion, resilience, and commitment to helping others. Embrace this path, and you will find personal and professional fulfilment.
