5 Best Cognitive Behavioral Classes Online

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Understanding the basic concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will aid anyone who is wanting to work closely with people who may be susceptible to mental health conditions. If you’re looking to progress your CBT skills further, we have spent the time researching the best CBT classes that are available online. We have included both free and paid courses, that are suitable for all levels, to ensure that you can find a course best suited to you!

But first, let’s answer a very important question – what is CBT? And why is it important for those working with, or leading, others to have an understanding of CBT? 

CBT, short for cognitive behavioral therapy, is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a viscous cycle. CBTs main aim is to help you deal with the problems you face in a positive way, so that you can change negative patterns and improve the way you feel. 

Unlike some treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past. It is a practical way to improve your state of mind on a daily basis and as a result has shown to be an effective way of coping with a number of different mental health conditions. 

If you are someone who thinks that knowing how to use and apply CBT will help you in your career, then you can learn CBT through online learning. Suitable for all levels, I have spent the time researching the best online CBT tutorials out there. So, if you’re looking to progress your mental health knowledge and skills, there will be an online course out there for you!

 

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Training (Udemy)

  • Level: All levels
  • Completion time: 32h 1m
  • Cost: $149.99
  • Certification: No
  • Number of people who have completed the course: 144,544
  • Course rating: 4.6/5 (out of 30,780 ratings) 

No prior CBT experience is needed to complete this course… all you need is a the desire to learn and self-reflect. 

Throughout the course, you will take a look at multiple topics. To begin, you will analyze and evaluate cognitive psychology and take a look at its application to everyday events. You will then take a look at different goal settings methods, each designed to promote positive thinking and purpose-driven behavior. You will also take a look at how to examine both personal and individual differences, how to have a level of self-awareness and how to be adaptable. 

To make this course completely worthwhile, you will then learn simple and effective ways to share what you’ve learnt in this course with others. That way, these skills can be applied to your everyday life. 

 

2. The Fundamental of CBT: Interactive Online Course (Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy)

  • Level: Intermediate 
  • Completion time: 4 weeks 
  • Cost: $445
  • Certification: No
  • Number of people who have completed the course: N/A
  • Course rating: N/A 

Offered by the Massachusetts hospital, those who take this course can rest assured that they are learning from the best. Targeted at those in mental health, primary care, social work and psychology settings, this course will teach you how CBT can be effective at treating mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. 

You will cover the essential features of CBT, including its session structure and pre-treatment assessment. You will then look at collaborative goal setting, mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, concepts of behavioral activation and much more. This course also includes an array of resources, videos and other materials, each designed to enhance the learning experience. Unlike other online courses, this course also offers weekly call-in times that mean that you ask experts questions and they can respond quickly. 

 

3. CBT for Depression, Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks (Udemy)

  • Level: Beginner
  • Completion time: 1h 51m
  • Cost: $79.99
  • Certification: No
  • Number of people who have completed the course: 22,634
  • Course rating: 4.4/5 (out of 3,517 ratings)

Specifically targeted at understanding depression, anxiety, phobias and panic attacks, this course is offered by one of the worlds number one providers of self development courses. 

The course syllabus is incredibly thorough. Through 40 lectures, you will cover everything from suicidal ideation, to anxiety and negative beliefs. You will then take a look at different ways to overcome these disorders, such as exposure therapies, challenging negative thoughts and STAR models. 

If you suffer from depression, anxiety, phobias or panic attacks, then this course is perfect for you. This course is also ideal for professional therapists looking to expand and enhance their repertoire and portfolio so that they can further help others. 

 

4. I Am In Control: CBT, Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity (Skillshare)

  • Level: All levels 
  • Completion time: 3h 7m
  • Cost: 14 day free trial
  • Certification: No
  • Number of people who have completed the course: 2,156
  • Course rating: N/A

Experience your higher self through mindfulness and learn how to step beyond patterns of the ego! In this Skillshare online course, you will learn how to create a space that will help you to gain clarity and insight. Once you’ve done this, you will have achieved freedom and will be able to rewire your brain with neuroplasticity. 

This course will teach you how to rise above any of the ego’s limiting defense mechanisms, how to use CBT to alleviate symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety, how to heal your core beliefs and take control by learning the language of the subconscious mind. So, if you feel out of control, then what are you waiting for? 

 

5. CBT Psychology, Demolish Your Negative Thinking (Skillshare) 

  • Level: Beginner
  • Completion time: 24
  • Cost: 14 day free trial 
  • Certification: No
  • Number of people who have completed the course: 622
  • Course rating: N/A

This short course will cover all the techniques that are rooted in CBT so that you can demolish your negative thought patterns. 

You will cover how to put thoughts on trail so that you can challenge negative belief. You will also then take a look at mental filtering, how to solve your own issues and whether what you’re experiencing is a fact or opinion. To finish, you will also then complete a hands-on class project that is designed to generate greater clarity and self-awareness. To gather this self-awareness, you will post a 250 word essay describing how you’ve dealt with negative thinking.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it… the 6 best CBT courses that are available online. These courses are suited to anyone who is wanting to develop understanding of mental health and be able to offer support to others..

Having an excellent understanding of CBT will aid you hundreds of careers, as these skills will allow you to support yourself and those around you. Specific careers where CBT skills are particularly helpful include:

To gather these CBT skills, there are lots of online courses available for you. There are CBT courses that are free and take as little as an hour to complete. Then there are more expensive courses that take much longer to complete! Some courses are suitable for those with no prior mental health experience. Whereas other courses are better suited for those with lots of experience working with those with mental health conditions, but are specifically looking to increase their skillset further.

The online classes in this list are the best of the best. Each is taught by an experienced and dedicated teacher that has lots of satisfied and happy customers.

So, which course you decide take depends on your experience, funds and spare time.  Do you have a huge amount of money to spend on your skill development? Do you have a lot of spare time, or are you just looking for a quick, but effective, skill top up?

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