How to become a CBT Therapist

How to become a CBT Therapist Want to help people deal with their emotions? Listening to them is just the beginning… Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (CBT Therapists) provide support and treatment to clients who are dealing with a range of mental health problems â€" including everything from anxiety and depression, to OCD and schizophrenia.Their job is to help patients identify negative behaviours and feelings, in order to teach helpful techniques and skills that will change the way they think and behave. As a result, clients are better able to deal with and alleviate stress.Key duties for a CBT Therapist could include:Assessing a client’s need for CBT therapyBuilding trustEncouraging clients to share their feelingsImplementing and evaluating therapy programmesProviding help and guidance to ensure changes are being fulfilledHolding group sessions in a clinical settingWriting reports in order to track clients’ progressIs it right for me?First and foremost â€" an ability to look for, identify, and understand all kinds of behavioural problems is key if you want to become a CBT Therapist.And, because clients may not always be comfortable talking about their problems, you’ll also need to be good at encouraging them to open up using a variation of trust-building techniques. This means an ability to build rapport and establish relationships is vital.Sensitivity and compassion are equally must-haves. After all, not all clients will be big fans of ‘tough love’…You’ll also need:Self-awarenessAn open mindA non-judgmental attitudePositivityGood listening skillsEmpathy, and respect for othersCareer Progression Junior CBT TherapistUp to £25,000 CBT TherapistUp to £35,000 Senior CBT TherapistUp to £40,000What's it really like? My role generally involves holding sessions with people who are struggling with various aspects of their mental health, learning about their individual situations, and implementing tailored programmes to teach them the skills needed to deal with the difficulties they’re facing. Understandably, the problems aren’t always easy to solve, especially when the client has gone through particularly tough times. However, this just makes my job even more important. If you’re passionate about helping people and you’re clued up on how people think and feel, this role is for you. But if you’re ready to give up after a few tears, you might have some work to do… Get qualifiedEmployers will usually look for candidates with an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, alongside a postgraduate qualification in CBT. Previous work experience in mental health is also highly desirable, and taking an industry-recognised course could help you to stand out from the crowd.