How To Become A CBT Practitioner in India

RISE OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (CBT)

• During ancient times, mental health issues were so stigmatized that even individuals suffering from severe conditions could not discuss their concerns out of fear of judgment and discrimination.
• Slowly, people started addressing mental health disorders and tried seeking treatment options in extreme cases, where talk therapy provided them greater acceptance.
• Over time, openness about mental health experiences increased and it led to the rise of different treatment options including CBT.
• In the 1960s and 1970s, psychiatrist Aaron Beck introduced Cognitive Therapy, now known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• CBT is a brief, short-term, solution-focused psychotherapy that is based on restructuring negative thought patterns, modifying maladaptive behaviors and regulate the emotions associated with them, to help the client productively deal with their social environment.
• Today, CBT enjoys widespread recognition and popularity due to its scientific, practical, versatility and short-term nature, making it the preferred choice for many seeking therapy.

WHY CBT IS SO POPULAR ?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is popular among therapies for several reasons:

• CBT is supported by strong research and evidence.
• It offers structured, time-limited sessions for immediate relief from symptoms.
• Clients are given certain activities as regular homework by the therapist which help them to cope with their problems independently.
• Clients learn hands-on skills to manage thoughts and emotions effectively.
• CBT can address various issues and can be applied along with other therapies.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBT AND REBT

Although CBT and REBT are both psychotherapies aiming to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, there are certain differences between them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
It was developed by Aaron T. Beck in 1960	It was founded by Albert Ellis in 1950.
Its main aim is to restructure negative thoughts and modify behavior.	Its main aim is to identify and challenge irrational beliefs which are causing an emotional disturbance in an individual.
It uses methods like exposure therapy, mindfulness etc. to link clients’ thoughts, actions and emotions.	It is known for using the ABC model (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) to link clients’ thoughts, actions and emotions.

ISSUES ADDRESSED BY CBT PRACTITIONER

CBT is applied by therapists to address a wide range of mental health concerns including:-

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• OCD
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse
• Stress
• Anger
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship difficulties
• Sleep problems
• Phobias
• Chronic pain
• Adjustment issues
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

TECHNIQUES USED IN CBT

CBT uses techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Common CBT techniques include:

1. Cognitive Restructuring
2. Behavioral Experiments
3. Exposure Therapy
4. Homework Assignments
5. Problem-Solving Skills
6. Thought Records
7. Role-Playing
8. Cognitive Distancing                                                                                               
9. Self-Monitoring
10. Coping Skills Development

APPLICATION OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

➤ CBT is a well celebrated form of therapy as it not only helps in the treatment of disorders but also used to restructure negative automatic thought and develop cognitive insight.
➤ CBT helps an individual to adequately regulate their emotions and express them in a productive way.
➤ CBT is an effective form of therapy that provides self-help strategies to make an individual independent.
➤ CBT is also used to help individuals cope with maladaptive behaviors in a social situation.

PROCEDURE/STEPS TO BECOME A CBT PRACTITIONER IN INDIA

• Get a Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a related field like psychology, counseling, or social work.
• Pursue a Master’s: Specialize in clinical or counseling psychology with a Master’s degree.
• Gain Clinical Experience: Intern or work in mental health settings for practical experience.
• Specialize in CBT: Take certified CBT training courses from reputable institutions.
• Seek Supervision: Receive guidance from experienced CBT practitioners.
• Consider Certification: Enhance credibility and job prospects with optional certification.
• Check Licensure: Some regions may require licensure; check local regulations.
• Join Associations: Consider joining associations like the Indian Association for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (IACBT) or similar mental health groups that may offer certifications or memberships reflecting your commitment to professional ethics.
• Continue Education: Stay updated through workshops, conferences, and reading.
• Start Your Practice: Begin your own CBT practice or seek employment in relevant settings.

AREAS OF WORK

• CBT can be used in diverse settings, like schools, hospitals, counseling centers, private practices.
• It can be used to help individuals of all ages who are struggling with cognitive and behavioral challenges.
• CBT also has a huge contribution to research, training, and community education.
• CBT can be used to promote mental health awareness and support individuals in a generalized way.

SALARY

CBT practitioners’ salaries in India vary based on their experience, location of practice, specialization and their designation at work. Practitioners as fresher may start at ₹2,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 annually, but with experience they usually get higher. Practitioners who practice in hospitals and clinics in cities tend to be more than those who practice in private chambers. Specializations and a steady client base can also lead to higher income.

INSTITUTES OFFERING CBT COURSES

These courses are typically offered by universities, mental health institutes, and professional organizations. Here are a few examples:

Government Institutions:

1. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore: https://nimhans.ac.in/
2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: https://www.tiss.edu/

Private Institutions:

1. Banjara Academy, Bangalore: https://www.banjaraacademy.org/
2. VIMHANS, Delhi: https://www.vimhans.com/
3. SoftMind, Kerela: https://www.softmindindia.com/

Online Platforms:

Several organizations and platforms also offer online certification courses in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which include the Beck Institute, NACBT and IMHAPS. Additionally platforms like Cognizavest, Alison, Therapy by Saachi, Coursera and Udemy offer a variety of CBT-related courses for learning at one’s own pace. These online courses serve various learning needs, enabling individuals to improve their CBT knowledge and skills conveniently from home.