The Effectiveness of a Short Cognitive Behavioral Training Course on Awareness, Knowledge, and Transferability of Competencies in Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effects of training on knowledge acquisition and core competencies in cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT).

DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-three students attended 15 half-day, weekly sessions and were tested with the Cognitive Therapy Awareness Scale (CTAS) at weeks 1 and 15 in a before and after study. The students' case studies were assessed with competency items 7-12 on the Cognitive Rating Scale-Revised (CTS-R).

FINDINGS: Improvements in the CTAS were modest. Key competencies on the CTS-R subscales at week 15 were also observed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: CBT knowledge acquisition might improve patients' outcomes through impact on competencies.