Webinars with Professor Patrick McGhee, BABCP, C Psychol, UK National Teaching Fellow
Changing Core Beliefs in CBT
Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:00 - 11:00 BST
A brand new workshop where we go through a step by step guide to helping clients challenge and change deep unhelpful beliefs.
Want to learn more about this course?
Watch the introductory video by clicking here (2 Minutes)
1. Welcome, Aims and Rationale
- Overview of the workshop goals
- Importance of addressing core beliefs within the CBT model
- Distinguishing core beliefs from automatic thoughts and other cognitions
- Indications for targeting core beliefs in treatment
2. Conceptualising Core Beliefs
- Introduction to key conceptual models (e.g. core belief maps, maintenance cycles)
- Developing a working conceptualisation from clinical material
- Technique: Downward Arrow to uncover core beliefs
3. Identifying Core Beliefs in Session
- Verbal and non-verbal clues for recognising core beliefs
- Identifying recurring language, metaphors, and emotional themes
- Technique: Imagery-based recall to explore emotionally significant memories
- Technique: Historical Pattern Mapping (e.g. Lifeline or Schema History exercises)
4. Intervening to Weaken and Modify Core Beliefs
- Cognitive strategies to challenge and restructure beliefs
- Technique: Socratic dialogue and guided discovery
- Technique: Evidence for and against
- Technique: Responsibility pie chart for guilt- or shame-based beliefs
- Technique: Cost-benefit analysis of maintaining the belief
- Technique: Strength based dimensions
5. Behavioural Experiments to Restructure Core Beliefs
- Using behavioural methods to test and disconfirm beliefs
- Designing appropriate behavioural experiments based on belief themes
- Examples: Assertiveness trials, social prediction testing, vulnerability exposures
- Reviewing experiment outcomes to support belief change
6. Strengthening and Embedding New Beliefs
- Methods to consolidate change and prevent relapse
- Technique: Core belief flashcards and self-statements
- Technique: Future visualisation with new belief in place
- Aligning new beliefs with values and behavioural goals
7. Reflections, Application and Next Steps
- Therapist reflection: identifying personal challenges in working with core beliefs
- Common obstacles and strategies for supervision
- Discussion and Q&A
- Recommended reading and resources for continued development
This event is ideal for:
- CBT practitioners at all stages, from early career to senior clinicians
- Supervisors and trainers who want to model and teach structured review techniques
- Therapists working in IAPT, CAMHS, private practice, or specialist services
What You’ll Receive
- Client resources
- Follow-up access to additional resources
- Certificate of CPD Completion
- Copies of all slides
New Blog Post - Core Beliefs and Imposter Syndrome
Click here to read out new blog post How to Change the Beliefs That Perpetuate Impostor Syndrome
Effective Mid-Treatment Reviews in CBT
Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:00 - 19:30 BST
Course Overview
Mid-therapy reviews—typically held around session 6—are an essential but often overlooked component of effective CBT. These structured reviews support clinical decision-making, deepen engagement, and help clients clarify their goals and reflect on what has been most (and least) useful in their therapy so far.
This 90-minute live workshop, delivered by Professor Patrick McGhee, provides a structured and evidence-informed framework for conducting mid-therapy reviews in CBT. The session will integrate practitioner reflection, practical tools, and live discussion.
What Will Be Covered?
Drawing on the full 8-module structure of Professor McGhee’s on-demand course, this live version will explore:
- The Rationale for Mid-Therapy Reviews
- Why these reviews reduce dropout rates, enhance engagement, and are recommended by best practice guidelines.
- Preparing for a Review Session
- How to reflect as a therapist, gather useful data (e.g., progress on goals, outcome measures), and prime the client effectively.
- Structuring the Review Conversation
- Practical strategies for setting the frame, inviting honest feedback, and maintaining a collaborative tone.
- Identifying Progress and Stuck Points
- Techniques for evaluating movement toward goals, understanding what's working, and detecting early signs of therapeutic drift.
- Revisiting and Adjusting Goals
- How to renegotiate therapy aims or update your intervention model in response to client needs or emerging themes.
- Strengthening the Alliance
- Using the review process to repair ruptures, clarify roles, and affirm the client’s investment in change.
- Ethical and Documentation Considerations
- Recording the review session clearly, managing consent when therapy plans evolve, and considering the supervisory implications.
- Managing Difficult or Disengaged Clients
- Strategies for navigating challenging feedback or dissatisfaction in ways that maintain safety, trust, and momentum.
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for:
- CBT practitioners at all stages, from early career to senior clinicians
- Supervisors and trainers who want to model and teach structured review techniques
- Therapists working in IAPT, CAMHS, private practice, or specialist services
What You’ll Receive
- A downloadable mid-therapy review handout for clients
- A structured review template for use in practice
- Follow-up access to additional resources
- Certificate of CPD Completion
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