Module Descriptor
Title
MODULE 8: Introduction to Complex Adaptation of CBT
Code (if known)
Level
11
(SCQF)Masters
Credit Rating
15
Semester &
Mode of Study
Par Time
Module Co-ordinator
Dr Sean Harper
Module Team
Dr Sean Harper, Prof. Kate Davidson, Dr Patricia Graham, Dr David Gillanders,
Dr Stirling Moorey
1/2/3/4/5/6
Modules 1-6 and 8
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations
Aims
To provide students with a critical understanding of complex disorders and CBT interventions which
facilitate complex adaptation.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:
L1
Critically examine and apply cognitive behavioural models for a
range of complex disorders.
L2
L3
L4
L5
Assessed in this
module
A B
C
D
√
√
√
√
Using available evidence compare and contrast how the CBT
model has been adapted and applied to at least 2 complex
disorders e.g. Personality Disorder and Psychosis.
√
√
√
√
Critically evaluate literature and the evidence base for CBT in at
least one complex disorder.
√
√
Differentiate between complexities of clinical presentations such
that appropriate intensities of interventions are applied, and are
appropriate to level of training in CBT.
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
Critically reflect on therapy through the process of supervision
A – Knowledge and Understanding
B – Intellectual Skills
C – Practical Skills
D – Transferable Skills
Content
Models and theory in CBT, specifically:
 Personality Disorders,
 Bi-polar disorders
 Psychosis
 Eating Disorders
 Adverse Life Circumstances.
 Diagnostic classifications
 Principles of supervision.
 Communication strategies and skills
1
Learning Experiences
The module will engage the student in the following types of learning experiences:
4 days’ direct teaching
= 28 hours
1 tutorial
= 7 hours
Supervision
= 7 hours
Direct therapy
= 12-15 hours
Self directed learning
= 93 hours
TOTAL
= 150 hours
Assessment Pattern
Essay (3,000 words) Critical review of the literature associated with the adaptation of CBT for one complex
disorder e.g. psychosis, personality disorder, eating disorder.(Marked by two independent raters) Weighting
60%
Supervisor assessment: Weighting 40%
All elements must be passed to be successful
Can this Module be anonymously marked?
Yes/No
If No please provide an explanation
Yes apart from supervisors assessment which is not anonymous by necessity
2
Main Texts
Davidson K. (2007) Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders: a guide for clinicians. Second Edition.
Routledge, Hove
Behavioural Techniques Constable Robinson, London
Beck, A.T et al ( 1990) Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorder Guilford Press, New York
Chadwick,P; Birchwood,M; Trower,P. (1996) Cognitive Therapy for Delusions, Voices and Paranoia
John Wiley and Sons
Linehan, M. (1992) Cognitive Therapy for Borderline Personality Guilford Press, New York
Salkovskis,P.M. (1996) Frontiers of Cognitive Therapy Guilford Press, New York
Tarrier, N; Wells, A; Haddock,G. (1998) Treating Complex Cases: The Cognitive Therapy Approach
John Wiley and Sons
Vallis, T.M; Howes, J.L; Millar, P.C. (1991) The Challenge of Cognitive Therapy: Applications to NonTraditional Populations Plenum Press, New York
Wykes,T. (1998) Outcome and Innovation in the Psychological Treatment of Schizophrenia John
Wiley and Sons
Young,J.E. ( 1991) Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders: A Schema Focused Approach
Practitioner Resource Series, Professional Resource Exchange inc, Sarasota, Florida

Emmelkamp P.M.G., Benner A., Kuipers A., Feiertag G.A., Koster H.C., van Apeldoorn F.J. (2006)
Comparison of brief dynamic and cognitive-behavioural therapies in avoidant personality disorder. British
Journal of Psychiatry, 189, 60-64.
Beck, A.T., Freeman, A, Davis D.D. and Associates (2004) Cognitive therapy of personality disorders.
Second Edition. The Guilford Press
Linehan, M.M. et al., (2006) Two-Year Randomized Controlled Trial and Follow-up of Dialectical Behavior
Therapy vs Therapy by Experts for Suicidal Behaviors and Borderline Personality Disorder. Archives of
General Psychiatr, 63, 757-766

J Livesley (Ed.)(2001) Handbook of Personality Disorders: theory, research and treatment. Guilford
Press, New York
3
4
Other relevant details
Signed Dr. Sean Harper
Date 4/2/09
Registry use only
Date received
5