Online CPD Course for Healthcare Practitioners
Behaviour Change Skills: Applying CBT in Practice
Getting patients started is not the hard part. Keeping them going is.
This skills-based online CPD course gives you cognitive and behavioural techniques that help patients break old patterns, handle setbacks and make change stick.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
For healthcare professionals who want to help patients maintain change – not just start it.
Ideal for: GPs, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and anyone who has watched patients make great progress – then slip back into old habits.
WHY PRACTITIONERS NEED THIS COURSE RIGHT NOW
Applying CBT In Practice answers critical questions:
1. Why do patients start strong then slip back?
Without strategies for the messy middle, relapse is almost guaranteed. Motivation starts change. Cognitive and behavioural skills sustain it.
2. Why do patients sabotage their own progress?
Self-sabotage is not a character flaw. It is automatic thoughts and triggers patients are not aware of. CBT makes these patterns visible and changeable.
3. How do I help patients become their own experts?
The goal is lasting capability, not permanent dependency. CBT helps patients develop problem-solving skills whilst showing you when additional support is needed.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO?
After this course, you will:
- Understand and demonstrate cognitive behavioural principles – Know when and why to use BT and CBT techniques, and practise applying key skills.
- Help patients set effective goals and understand unplanned behaviour – Guide planning that works and help patients see the patterns that undermine their intentions.
- Use cognitive restructuring – Help patients identify and challenge the unhelpful thoughts that hold them back.
- Identify opportunities to apply CBT in your practice – Know when these strategies fit and recognise when patients need additional support.
WHAT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS SAY
“I loved learning the theory at my own pace, Very helpful and lots to practice!”
Student, Applying CBT in Practice
MEET YOUR EXPERT EDUCATORS
Developed by CCH in conjunction with BCT. Created by specialists who have spent decades at the intersection of behaviour change and healthcare education.

Dympna Pearson
Registered Dietitian, MINT Trained
Dympna has spent over 15 years training NHS practitioners in behaviour change skills and is a published author on weight management.

Sam Howard
Registered Dietitian
Sam brings extensive NHS clinical experience and over ten years of delivering behaviour change training to healthcare professionals.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE COURSE?
Part 1 – Course Content
- Course introduction & Questionnaire (10 min)
- Overview of BT and CBT (15 min)
- Planning and Goal Setting (10 min)
- Understanding Unplanned Behaviour (17 min)
- Useful Behavioural Strategies (17 min)
- The C of CBT (17 min)
- Cognitive Restructuring (15 min)
Part 2 – Certificate
- Quiz (10 min)
- Certificate of Completion (5 min)
Practical Resources
- Toolkits to use in practice
- Curated resources on behaviour change skills
HOW WILL I LEARN?
CCH courses follow best practice in online education. This skills-based online course combines expert teaching with practical application through:
- Video lessons showing MI techniques in action with patient scenarios
- Interactive e-Learning units and scenarios
- Reflective exercises to practise CBT skills in your own context
- Downloadable transcripts and resources for continued skill development
- End-of-course quiz and Certificate of Completion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long do I need to complete the course?
A: The course takes around 2 hours. Complete it in one sitting or spread it across your week – your choice.
Q: Can I claim this for appraisal and revalidation?
A: Yes. You will receive 2 CPD hours and a Certificate of Completion for your portfolio.
Q: Should I complete the previous courses first?
A: Recommended. CBT techniques are most powerful when built on strong communication and motivational skills. The three Behaviour Change Skills courses are designed as a progression.
Q: Is this a full CBT qualification?
A: No. This introduces key CBT principles specifically for health behaviour change – not comprehensive CBT training. But the techniques are immediately applicable.
IS THIS SHORT COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
- You are tired of watching patients start strong then slip back
- You believe patients should become their own experts, not permanently dependent on you
- You want tools that help patients sustain change, not just begin it
- You want to complete your behaviour change toolkit with cognitive and behavioural techniques
THE PRICE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Course price: £59.00
- 2 hours of expert-led CPD training
- Reflective exercises to embed new skills
- Downloadable transcripts for easy reference
- CCH Certificate of Completion
- Immediate access – start learning in the next 10 minutes

