Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Illustrations: Demonstration of Key Interventions for Common Clinical Presentations and Problems E246B

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

More research evidence supports cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) than any other psychological therapy (David et al., 2018). A review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of CBT attempted to create a “panoramic view” of the utility of CBT (Fordham et al., 2021). The authors reviewed 494 meta-analyses and systematic reviews of CBT for various problems and presentations in various settings and with various populations (237 of these reviews were in languages other than English). The authors concluded that a preponderance of evidence showed that CBT was generally effective at improving the quality of life across problems, presentations, populations, and settings. They acknowledged that some gaps remain in the literature, but they charted trends to demonstrate confidence that the CBT model is generally effective. This therapy is not a panacea or a miracle cure, but people commonly receive substantial benefit from it.

A wealth of high-quality studies of CBT have been done. A recent meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of CBT across disorders, examining 375 trials of CBT (Cuijpers et al., 2025); strong evidence was found for the use of CBT in the treatment of major depression, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Promising evidence was found for the use of CBT in the treatment of psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders as well, though these would typically use CBT in conjunction with medication.

Clinicians taking this course probably have some interest and some experience in CBT and are no doubt aware that clinical practice presents more complications than are seen in treatment manuals. Clinicians might know about certain interventions but be unsure concerning how to use them. This course is meant to aid in the application of core CBT interventions when working with clients. Case examples will be presented and discussed, after which example dialogues will demonstrate skills and key concepts in action.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the role of self-monitoring in a course of CBT treatment.
2. Identify the four steps of the Socratic questioning framework.
3. Describe how to use a thought record.
4. Explain how to design a behavioral experiment.
5. Distinguish at least three components of exposure therapy.

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• The Big Tent of CBT
• Review of the Generic Cognitive Model of CBT
• Connecting the CBT Case Conceptualization and the Treatment Plan
• Demonstrating the CBT Model With Self-Monitoring
  • Examples of Increasing Self-Awareness of Thoughts
  • Examples of Increasing Self-Awareness of Emotions
  • Examples of Increasing Self-Awareness of Behaviors
• Core Interventions
  • Socratic Questioning
  • Thought Records
  • Behavioral Experiments
• Exposure
  • Exploring the Costs of Avoidance
  • Decatastrophizing Anxious Predictions
  • Framing Exposure as Behavioral Experiments
  • Debriefing Exposure in a Way That Will Facilitate Expectation Violation Learning
• Cultural Considerations
• Summary

Author

Scott H. Waltman, PsyD, ABPP

Scott H. Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is certified as a qualified Cognitive Therapist and Trainer/Consultant by the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies. He also is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is a board member for the International Association of Cognitive Psychotherapy. Dr. Waltman worked as a CBT trainer for one of Dr. Aaron Beck’s CBT implementation teams in the Philadelphia public mental health system. He is the first author of the books Socratic Questioning for Therapists and Counselors: Learn How to Think and Intervene like a Cognitive Behavior Therapist and The Stoicism Workbook: How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You.

Accreditation Approval Statements

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This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

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