Certificate in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for children level 1: Core concepts and techniques

Looking ahead to 2027: We are looking forward to offering this certificate in cognitive behaviour therapy again in 2027. We will update this page with new training dates and registration details once they’re confirmed.

Would you like to be notified when registration opens? Email Mary Anne at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca to be added to our notification list.

Build a strong foundation in CBT for children and adolescents with practical, developmentally appropriate strategies you can bring directly into clinical practice.

The certificate in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for children level 1 is a comprehensive four-day training program. It is designed for mental health professionals beginning their CBT journey. Along with those looking to enhance their skills and expertise in working with children and adolescents.

This program will equip you with the essential tools to apply CBT effectively in a child-focused therapeutic context.Over four days, you will gain practical knowledge on building therapeutic alliance and rapport with children. You will explore the role of emotions and physical sensations, master fundamental behavioural strategies, and learn to address common cognitive distortions.

Whether you are new to CBT or looking to review its foundations, this program offers key takeaways. These will empower you to make a meaningful impact on your young clients’ lives. By the end of this training, participants will understand core CBT principles and techniques. They will also be able to apply them when working with children and adolescents in real-world settings.

Dr. Kathryn Walker and Dr. Daniel Chorney will guide you through the training. Their approach combines theoretical insights with practical examples and applications.

“Master core behavioral strategies that work in real-world clinical settings with children and teens. This training gives you practical skills to address everyday challenges in a therapy setting and improve outcomes—tools you can use with confidence in any session.” – Dr. Daniel Chorney

“This training allows practice in key CBT strategies and skills, and highlights how to tailor these to the real clients and families you work with. You will help your clients early in their lives to be self- empowered to manage their own symptoms and meet life’s unpredictabilities and stressors.” – Dr. Kathryn Walker

Key topics covered:

• Day 1 – CBT introduction and fundamentals. Gain foundational knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents, including session components, goal setting, and case formulation.
• Day 2 – Therapeutic alliance and cognitions. Learn how to build a strong therapeutic alliance and master the cognitive aspects of CBT for children and adolescents. Including the thoughts-feelings-behaviours (TFB) cycle and cognitive restructuring techniques for effective treatment outcomes.
• Day 3 – Emotions and physical sensations.Develop emotional literacy and learn effective emotion regulation strategies for children and teens. Including relaxation techniques and body cue recognition to support emotional well-being in therapy.
• Day 4 – Behavioural strategies. Explore key behavioural strategies in CBT, including exposure techniques and behavioural activation, to treat anxiety and depression in children. Learn practical methods to modify behaviors and enhance coping skills.

Enhance your skills and confidently apply proven CBT techniques tailored for children and adolescents, providing a meaningful impact in your work with young clients.

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