How to Be a Cognitive Therapist

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

1. 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.

2. Get a license to be a therapist in your state. Requirements for licensing vary depending on the state you live in.

3. Learn all you can about cognitive therapy by reading books and articles such as in Psychology Information Online.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Resources

• Go to the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT) for more information.
• Go to Psychology Information Online for more information.