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Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT

Michelle Lee, Shirley Reynolds, Yen Tu, Jeni Fisk, Emily Green, Lucas Shelemy, Doireann O'Brien, Emily Hards, and Faith Orchard

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This beginner’s course is aimed at anyone with an interest in mental illness generally, and anxiety and depression in particular. This may include: • those who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced emotional difficulties, • family and friends of those who are experiencing emotional difficulties, • primary (or other) healthcare professionals who have a frontline role in detecting mental health difficulties and offering appropriate support and guidance to those affected. You can use the hashtag #FLcbt to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Week 1 provides an introduction to how we perceive the world around us and how this relates to the Cognitive Behavioural approach to anxiety and depression. It explores how CBT can be delivered and the types of difficulties if can help.
Week 2 looks at depression within a CBT framework, exploring what depression is (and is not) as well as highlighting commonly held myths and stereotypes around depression.
Week 3 explores anxiety within a CBT framework. It covers the function and positive role of ‘normal’ anxiety exploring the difference between ‘normal’ anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Week 4 focuses on how behaviour changes in anxiety and depression, how these changes can maintain difficulties and how CBT techniques are used in therapy to address them.
Week 5 focuses on ‘cognitions’ or thoughts; specifically the types of thoughts which commonly occur in anxiety and depression, how they maintain difficulties and what CBT techniques are used in therapy to address them.

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Reviews summary

Introduction to cbt for anxiety and depression

According to learners, this course provides a clear and accessible overview of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as it relates to understanding anxiety and depression. Many students found the course content to be practical and highly relevant, offering useful strategies for both personal insight and supporting others. Reviewers frequently highlighted the course's strength as a solid introduction for those new to the topic, noting that it explains complex concepts in an easy-to-digest manner. While largely positive, some learners felt the course was basic and serves primarily as a foundation, suggesting it is not a substitute for professional training or therapy. Overall, it is seen as an excellent starting point.

Good for beginners, may lack depth for others.

"While great for a basic understanding, those with prior knowledge of psychology might find it too superficial."

"It's a wonderful introduction, but it's important to remember this is just the beginning, not an in-depth clinical training."

"The course covers the basics well but doesn't go into the deeper nuances of specific CBT techniques."

"If you're looking for advanced therapeutic skills, this course serves only as a preliminary step."

Understanding, not clinical practice or therapy.

"Crucially, the course emphasizes it's for understanding and not a replacement for therapy or professional qualifications."

"Learned a lot about understanding the issues, but it is clear this doesn't qualify you to practice CBT professionally."

"Important distinction made: this course is for insight and knowledge, not for treating conditions."

"It clearly outlines the scope - education and awareness, not clinical application."

Engaging delivery and well-organized modules.

"The instructors explain the concepts very well and keep the lectures engaging."

"Modules are well-structured and easy to follow week by week."

"Found the pacing of the course just right, allowing time to absorb the information."

"The way the topics progressed felt logical and built knowledge effectively."

Builds a good understanding of core CBT principles.

"Offers a solid foundation in CBT principles and their application to common mental health issues."

"This course truly helped solidify my understanding of the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors."

"I feel I have a much better grasp of the CBT framework after completing this course."

"A great overview that grounds you in the fundamental concepts before exploring deeper."

Offers useful strategies for personal use or support.

"The strategies discussed are incredibly practical and I can see myself using them in my own life."

"Found the information on coping mechanisms very helpful for understanding how to support family members."

"Provides practical tools and insights directly applicable to understanding anxiety and depression."

"I learned actionable techniques that resonate with real-life situations."

Explains complex concepts clearly for beginners.

"Provides a clear and concise introduction to CBT, making complex ideas easy to understand."

"This course is perfect for beginners, explaining how CBT works in a very accessible way."

"I found the way the material was presented made it simple to grasp the basics of cognitive behavioral approaches."

"Excellent starting point for anyone wanting to learn about CBT without prior knowledge."

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

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This foundational text widely used in academic settings and by professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of CBT principles and techniques, making it essential for gaining a broad understanding. The third edition incorporates recent advancements and includes practical tools like worksheets and case examples.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond

Kindle Edition

$$$

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental...

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This is the authoritative guide used by mental health professionals for diagnosing mental disorders. It provides a common language and standard criteria. While not a book to be read cover-to-cover for a broad understanding, it is an essential reference tool for anyone serious about studying or working in the field, particularly at the undergraduate level and beyond. It is commonly used as a textbook and professional reference.

Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Introduction to cbt for anxiety and depression

Career center

Reading list

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