CBT

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a common type of talk therapy used by mental health professionals. It focuses on helping people understand how their thoughts affect their feelings and behaviors. Think of it as a practical approach where counselors help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop better ways to handle challenges. Unlike some other therapy approaches that might focus on childhood experiences, CBT typically deals with current problems and finding solutions. It's like teaching people to be their own problem-solving coach. When you see CBT mentioned in a resume, it means the candidate has training in this specific counseling method.

Examples in Resumes

Provided individual CBT sessions to 20+ clients weekly

Conducted group CBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy workshops for anxiety management

Specialized in CBT techniques for treating depression and anxiety disorders

Typical job title: "CBT Therapists"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor Psychotherapist Licensed Professional Counselor Clinical Therapist Behavioral Therapist Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Therapist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt CBT techniques for different client populations?

Expected Answer: A senior therapist should discuss how they modify CBT approaches for different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and specific mental health conditions, providing examples of successful adaptations.

Q: How do you train and supervise other therapists in CBT methods?

Expected Answer: Should explain their experience in teaching CBT techniques to other professionals, including mentoring, supervision methods, and how they ensure quality of care across a team.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What CBT techniques do you use for anxiety disorders?

Expected Answer: Should describe specific tools like thought records, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques, with examples of how they've used these successfully with clients.

Q: How do you measure client progress in CBT?

Expected Answer: Should discuss using assessment tools, tracking behavior changes, and gathering client feedback to evaluate therapy effectiveness.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of CBT?

Expected Answer: Should explain how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and describe the collaborative nature of CBT between therapist and client.

Q: How do you structure a typical CBT session?

Expected Answer: Should outline basic session structure including agenda setting, homework review, and teaching new coping skills.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic CBT principles and techniques
  • Session structuring
  • Simple behavior tracking
  • Building therapeutic relationships

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Treatment planning
  • Crisis intervention
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Case documentation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Clinical supervision
  • Program development
  • Complex case management
  • Training other therapists

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal CBT training or certification
  • Inability to explain basic CBT concepts
  • Lack of supervised clinical experience
  • No experience with treatment planning
  • Poor understanding of ethical guidelines

Related Terms