How to Be a Cognitive Therapist

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Cognitive therapy has to do with the idea that we change our emotions by changing our thoughts. Thinking positive thoughts will help us to think better about ourselves and be happier overall, whereas negative thoughts tend to depress us. Cognitive therapy is a fascinating field, and if you enjoy listening to other peoples' problems and like helping people through difficult situations, becoming a cognitive therapist may be for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate
Step1
Attend college. You will need a B.A. (Bachelors of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science) in psychology. You will also probably need a Masters in psychology or counseling and possibly a doctorate in psychology. Your GPA (Grade Point Average) should be well above 3.0 if possible.
Step2
Get a license to be a therapist in your state. Requirements for licensing vary depending on the state you live in.
Step3
Learn all you can about cognitive therapy by reading books and articles such as in Psychology Information Online.
Step4
Be prepared to work with patients and use cognitive therapy to help them. In the beginning, someone will probably observe your sessions and analyze your work. Working with patients is the best way to learn what works and what doesn't work in therapy settings.
Step5
Consider becoming certified as a cognitive therapist by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT). Certification requires a postgraduate degree, a license, a case write-up of a cognitive therapy treatment plan, and an audiotape of a therapy session you've conducted.

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TeryLynne

TeryLynne said

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on 5/11/2008 It is not mentioned what Cognitive Therapy is or how to apply it. We all know we have to go to college in order to receive a license in counseling, but we need to know how to research exactly what we want to practice in.

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