Psychology 229: Behavioral Counseling and Psychotherapy
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover the theoretical foundations and application of Cognitive Behavior
Therapy. The bulk of this course will focus on providing step-by-step instructions so
that students can learn to implement specific cognitive behavioral strategies from
empirically supported treatment manuals. The disorders covered during the application
section of this course are among the most commonly encountered in clinical practice.
There will also be an overview of the basic foundations of cognitive therapy in light of
emotion theory, cognitive science, and evolutionary psychology. Students will learn to:
1) diagnose anxiety and mood disorders according to DSM-IV criteria, 2) assess the
nature and severity of specific disorders utilizing evidence-based measures, 3) implement
cognitive behavioral treatment strategies for anxiety and mood disorders, 4) assess the
effectiveness of their interventions.
REQUIRED TEXT
Barlow, D.H. (2008). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders (4th Edition).
New York: Guilford Press.
(see below for recommended books)
GRADING
Class attendance/participation: 25%
Final Examination: Competency Assessment: 75%
The exam will consist of 15 essay questions. The focus of the exam will be to evaluate
your ability to assess and implement cognitive behavioral treatment of disorders covered
during class lectures or within the reading. Additional topics (e.g., emotion theory,
evidence-based treatments) will be covered on the exam as well. The test is
straightforward. If you complete the readings and have the lecture materials the
questions will be easy. For example, a question may provide a clinical presentation for
social phobia and ask you to develop an assessment and treatment plan for the case. Or, a
question may ask you to present the basic steps of cognitive restructuring as though you
were introducing it to a client for the first time. Knowledge of specific research studies
is not necessary, however, general information will be important (e.g., studies have
shown alprazolam interferes with the effects of exposure – how might that change your
treatment plan). Sample test questions will be provided prior to the exam.
COURSE OUTLINE (timing of topics subject to change)
Week 1
The Importance of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy:
Healthcare Policy, Treatment Guidelines, and CBT
Bruce, T.J. & Sanderson, W.C. (2004). Evidence-Based psychosocial practices: The
past, present, and future. In C. Stout & R. Hayes (Eds). Evidence-Based Practice for
Mental Health Professionals. New York: Wiley.
Week 2
Cognition and Emotion, Appraisal Theory, Nature of Emotions,
Evolutionary Psychology
R.S. Lazarus (1992). Cognition and emotion. Emotion and Adaptation. New York:
Oxford University Press.
R.S. Lazarus (1992). Goal incongruent emotions. Emotion and Adaptation. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Cosmides & Tooby: Evolutionary Psychology: A Primer
*****BEGINNING WEEK 3: BRING LECTURE OUTLINE TO CLASS***** ------do
not use the outline on e-reserve, it is an outdated version
Week 3
Introduction to Cognitive Behavior Therapy
McGinn, L. & Sanderson, W.C. (2001). What allows cognitive behavioral therapy to be
brief: overview, efficacy, and crucial factors facilitating brief treatment. Clinical
Psychology: Science and Practice, 8, 23-37.
Week 4
Week 5
Cognitive Restructuring
Additional Major Treatment Strategies:
Psychoeducation, Lowering Physical Arousal, behavioral strategies.
----------CLINICAL APPLICATIONS--------Week 6
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Barlow chapter 1
Week 7
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia continued
Sanderson, W.C. & Wetzler, S. (1993). Observations on the cognitive behavioral
treatment of panic Disorder: Impact of benzodiazepines. Psychotherapy, 30, 125-132.
Clark, D.M. (1999). Anxiety disorders: why they persist and how to treat them.
Behavior Research and Therapy, 27, 5-27.
Sanderson, W.C. & Bruce, T.J. (2007). Causes and management of treatment resistant
panic disorder and agoraphobia. Cognitive Behavioral Practice, 14(1), 26-35.
Weeks 8,9
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Barlow chapter 5
Week 10
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Barlow chapter 4
Week 11
Social Anxiety Disorder
Barlow chapter 3
Week 12
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Barlow chapter 2
Wks 13,14
Depression, Suicidality
Barlow chapter 6
Suicide chapter:
FINAL EXAM – date to be announced
-----------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDED BOOKS to be read someday when you have time to improve your
background in CBT:
Beck, J.S. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond . New York: Guilford.
Leahy, R. L. (2003). Cognitive therapy techniques: A practitioner’s guide. New York:
Guilford Press.
Safran, J. & Greenberg, L. (Eds.) (1991). Emotion, Psychotherapy & Change. New York:
Guilford.
Young, J., Klosko, J., & Weishaar, M.E. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioner's guide.
New York: Guilford.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES Intervention Skills
1) Students will interpret and explain the principles and techniques of applied behavior
analysis and cognitive-behavioral therapy, in both oral and written form.
2) Students will demonstrate competence in the use of interventions based on applied
behavior analysis and cognitive behavior therapy.
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