Information Package / Course Catalogue
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Course Code: PDR517
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations, core concepts, and explanatory framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in relation to psychopathology, and to develop their competencies in assessing client problems, formulating cases, and planning the therapeutic process within a CBT framework. The course covers the establishment of the therapeutic relationship, the structure of CBT sessions, the identification of automatic thoughts, intermediate beliefs, and core beliefs, as well as cognitive restructuring processes and behavioral intervention techniques through both theoretical and practical applications. Furthermore, the course aims to enable students to recognize cognitive and behavioral intervention methods used in the treatment of various psychological problems, select appropriate therapeutic strategies, plan interventions in accordance with ethical and professional principles, and acquire fundamental competencies in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Course Content

This course covers the historical development, fundamental assumptions, theoretical foundations, and conceptualization of psychopathology within the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. Throughout the course, students examine the establishment of the therapeutic relationship, assessment and case conceptualization processes, formulation of treatment goals, structuring of therapy sessions, development of treatment plans, and monitoring of therapeutic progress. The identification of automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, intermediate beliefs, and core beliefs, as well as cognitive restructuring techniques, are addressed through practical examples and case-based applications. In addition, major behavioral intervention methods, including behavioral assessment, behavioral activation, exposure, response prevention, skills training, problem-solving, and homework assignments, are explored. Students critically review scientific research and current literature to evaluate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and to analyze evidence-based interventions for a range of psychological problems. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, practical activities, and discussions of empirical literature, students are expected to develop knowledge and skills related to case conceptualization, intervention planning, evaluation of therapeutic processes, and the implementation of evidence-based psychotherapy practices.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Prof. Ali Serdar SAĞKAL
Learning Outcomes
1.To be able to explain the fundamental concepts, theoretical assumptions, and psychopathological framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
2.To be able to assess client problems and develop case conceptualizations within the CBT framework.
3.To be able to establish treatment goals and develop structured treatment plans for the therapeutic process.
4.To be able to identify and analyze automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, intermediate beliefs, and core beliefs.
5.To be able to apply cognitive restructuring and behavioral intervention techniques to appropriate case examples.
6.To be able to evaluate CBT interventions for common psychological problems within an evidence-based practice framework.
7.To be able to review current scientific research and literature and critically interpret evidence regarding the effectiveness of CBT.
8.To be able to plan and evaluate CBT interventions in accordance with ethical and professional principles.
9.To be able to monitor therapeutic progress, evaluate client outcomes, and revise intervention plans when necessary.
10.To be able to transfer advanced CBT knowledge and skills to professional counseling and psychotherapy practice.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Beck, J. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). New York, New York: Guildford Press.
2.Barlow, D., et al. (2011). Unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: Therapist guide. New York: New York: Oxford University Press.
3.Barlow, D. H. Ed. (2008, Fourth edition). Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual. New York: Guilford. ISBN-10: 1609185048
4.Beck, A. T. (2020). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
5.Dobson, K. S., & Dobson, D. (2018). Evidence-based practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
6.Wright, J. H., Brown, G. K., Thase, M. E., & Basco, M. R. (2017). Learning cognitive-behavior therapy: An illustrated guide (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
7.Leahy, R. L. (2017). Cognitive therapy techniques: A practitioner's guide (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
8.Leahy, R. L., Holland, S. J., & McGinn, L. K. (2012). Treatment plans and interventions for depression and anxiety disorders (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
9.Stallard, P. (2021). Think good, feel good: A cognitive behaviour therapy workbook for children and young people (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
10.Persons, J. B. (2012). The case formulation approach to cognitive-behavior therapy. Guilford Press.
11.Hofmann, S. G. (2021). The science of cognitive behavioral therapy (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
12.Kazantzis, N., Dattilio, F. M., & Dobson, K. S. (Eds.). (2017). The Wiley handbook of cognitive behavioral therapy (Vols. 1–2). Wiley.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to CBT
Week 2 - Theoretical
Overview of Treatment
Week 3 - Theoretical
Cognitive Conceptualization
Week 4 - Theoretical
The Evaluation Session
Week 5 - Theoretical
Structure of the First Therapy Session
Week 6 - Theoretical
Behavioral Activation
Week 7 - Theoretical
Session 2 and beyond: Structure and format
Week 8 - Intermediate Exam
Midterm Exam
Week 9 - Theoretical
Problems with structuring the therapy session
Week 10 - Theoretical
Identifying automatic thoughts
Week 11 - Theoretical
Identifying emotions
Week 12 - Theoretical
Evaluating automatic thoughts
Week 13 - Theoretical
Responding the automatic thoughts
Week 14 - Theoretical
Identifying and modifying intermediate and core beliefs
Week 15 - Theoretical
Additional CBT Techniques
Week 16 - Final Exam
Final Exam
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%70
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143384
Individual Work111314
Midterm Examination110313
Final Examination110414
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
OÇ-2
3
5
4
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
2
3
OÇ-3
2
5
5
2
3
3
1
2
2
2
2
OÇ-4
3
4
3
1
2
1
1
3
1
1
2
OÇ-5
2
5
5
2
3
2
1
2
2
2
3
OÇ-6
2
4
3
1
1
2
1
4
5
2
1
2
OÇ-7
1
1
5
5
5
1
1
1
OÇ-8
1
3
4
2
2
1
1
2
5
4
3
OÇ-9
2
4
5
2
3
2
2
3
2
3
2
OÇ-10
3
5
5
3
4
1
3
2
3
3
4
3
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026