Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Fundamentals: Improving your Clinical Practice with Core Skills

This course offers an introduction to the historical foundations and theory underlying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and in-depth learning of core CBT strategies for use with adolescents and adults.  Designed to aid clinicians in flexibly applying CBT in their clinical practice using case formulation, the course content covers a variety of cognitive and behavioural strategies and when to apply these strategies to maximize benefit.  Equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations will be woven throughout the lectures to aid clinicians in applying CBT to individuals from various populations and with intersecting identifies.  Synchronous lectures include didactic learning as well as the opportunity for in-class practice and role-play.

Learning Objectives:

- Understand the predominant theories underlying CBT
- Develop skills in client conceptualization and case formulation from a CBT perspective
- Learn and apply core cognitive change strategies
- Learn and apply core behavioural change strategies
- Increase confidence in ability to apply strategies in a targeted way
- Identify and troubleshoot common challenges and barriers in CBT
- Refine skills in treatment termination

Suggested Accompanying Texts

Beck, J.S. (2020). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (3rd Ed.). Guilford Press.

Persons, J. (2008). The Case Formulation Approach to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.  Guilford Press.

Tolin, D.F. (2016). Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Behaviours, Thoughts, and Emotions. Guilford Press

Dr. Jenna Boyd, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Dr. Boyd is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Boyd is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and a Staff Psychologist at the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Dr. Boyd also works part-time in private practice. She is an expert in CBT and its application to a wide variety of populations, including adolescents and adults with anxiety and mood-related concerns, trauma and PTSD, and obsessive compulsive and related concerns.

Dr. Brenda Key, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Dr. Brenda Key is a registered clinical psychologist with expertise in the treatment of adults with anxiety, depression and general stress.  She has specialized training in cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction and mindfulness based cognitive therapy. She is an assistant professor at McMaster University and certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but the Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies. In addition to working directly with clients, Dr. Key enjoys teaching, supervising, and training other professionals in CBT and Mindfulness at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and Mood Disorders Program. She is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

New Registration Application



Once reviewed and approved you will receive onboarding instructions and invoice details. Invoice must be paid in full by the invoice due date to be considered fully registered for the program.

Registration deadline: CLOSED

Fees: Please note costs noted below are in CAD dollars and do not include the 13% HST - Harmonized Sales Tax charged for Canadian applicants.

$399 Clinicians
$199 Learners