Key facts

Overview

This programme is designed to offer in-depth training and supervision in cognitive behavioural therapy for traumatized populations. The course is aimed at healthcare professionals who have basic CBT skills and want specialist training in working with psychological trauma. The 16 days of training will be spread over an academic year, in intensive two day teaching blocks, and will provide a strong grounding in current theories and up-to-date evidence. The generic impact of psychological trauma on brain function, memory and psychological development will be covered, as well as techniques for working effectively with developmental and adult trauma, and a range of trauma populations (e.g. refugees, survivors of domestic violence, occupational trauma and children). The course will also include some clinical consultation in small groups.

Selection criteria

Staff

Ms Martina Mueller

Role: Director

Martina Mueller is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who leads the trauma service for the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Care Trust. She...more is widely respected for her innovative clinical work and specializes in the assessment and treatment of PTSD and other complex reactions following adult trauma. She has worked on a European Union funded multi-centre research on innovative approaches to working with traumatized refugees and has a special interest in the treatment of multiple and prolonged trauma and horror based flashbacks. Martina is one of the editors of the Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy, and is lead editor of the ’Oxford Guide to Surviving as a CBT Therapist’ published by OUP in 2010. close

Course aims

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of CBT and the evidence-base for the application of CBT techniques for psychological trauma in a range of populations
• Critically appraise research evidence and theoretical concepts
• Demonstrate knowledge of CBT models of PTSD and complex trauma presentations
• Establish and maintain a collaborative working alliance with patients, including those who present with loss of interpersonal trust and unhelpful interpersonal coping styles
• Conceptualise the development and maintenance of a range of trauma presentations in line with current CBT based models and theories
• Design and implement a wide range of CBT treatment plans/interventions for patients with on-going high quality clinical supervision
• Make appropriate use of clinical supervision for addressing difficulties arising in therapeutic practice

Assessment methods

Written assignments

a) Essay
Students are required to write one essay of 4,000 words, demonstrating knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy theory, research and practice in relation to topic areas selected by the course, and reflecting the taught syllabus.

b) Case Report
Students are required to write a case report of 6,000 words, describing a clinical case, including formulation and treatment plans and presenting these in the context of reference to relevant theory, research and clinical literature.

Evaluation of clinical performance

a) Audio/video-recorded treatment sessions
Students must submit one audio or video recorded example of mid-treatment cognitive therapy sessions. Using this recording, development of cognitive therapy skills will be evaluated by means of the Cognitive Therapy Scale - Revised, an established measure of therapist performance.

b) Log book
Students are also required to keep a log book of their supervised CBT practice over the term.

Teaching methods

This course will consist of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and classes on the principles and practice of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychological trauma, together with clinical practice in cognitive behavioural therapy for psychological trauma.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms are rated 3-star, and come with free high-speed internet access and TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

Payment

Fees for the 2013-14 academic year:

• Home/EU - £3,360
• Overseas - £3,360

Scholarships

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Apply for this course