Behavioural activation and other low-intensity mental health treatments
Tereza Růžičková, Ph.D.
Behavioural activation and other low-intensity mental health treatments

Course description


This is an English-taught course aiming to impart knowledge and practical skills of behavioural activation (BA) as a technique for mental health treatment, as well as examining other so-called “low-intensity” therapies. We will explore the behaviourist theories of depression that led to the development of BA, viewing common mental health problems through the lens of reinforcement learning mechanisms. We will evaluate the current body of evidence for low-intensity treatments for different mental and physical health problems and discuss where such methods might fit within the healthcare system. Students will learn how to lead a client through a BA treatment, as well as practising other low-intensity CBT skills. Lastly, we will examine novel research directions in this area, investigating the use of digital tools in low-intensity treatments, exploring their dissemination to lower income countries around the world and brainstorming further developments of this field.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understanding behaviourist models of reinforcement learning in depression
  • Understanding the rationale behind behavioural activation treatment, including its possible psychological and neurobiological mechanisms
  • Understanding the basic principles of other low-intensity mental health treatments, such as problem-solving and sleep management
  • Evaluating existing evidence of efficacy for BA and other low-intensity treatments
  • Evaluating the function of low-intensity treatments in a healthcare system
  • Acquiring practical skills of administering BA for clients with depression, including psychoeducation, activity monitoring, goal setting and building a therapeutic relationship
  • Exploring novel research areas in this field, including the use of digital tools in low intensity treatments and their dissemination in low- and middle-income countries around the world

Lecturer: Tereza Růžičková, BA

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86187808856

General reading for the course:

Veale, D. (2008). Behavioural activation for depression. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 14(1), 29-36.

Bennett-Levy, J., Richards, D., Farrand, P., Christensen, H., & Griffiths, K. (Eds.). (2010). Oxford guide to low intensity CBT interventions. Oxford University Press.

Farrand, P. (Ed.). (2020). Low-intensity CBT Skills and Interventions: A Practitioner′ s Manual. SAGE.

Requirements for successful completion of the course:

  • Active participation in class discussions
  • Completion of the assigned presentation for each block
  • Writing a short essay at the given topic at the end (450-500 words, please stick to this word limit!)

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