Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT): A Transdiagnostic Approach for Modifying Dysfunctional Cognitions

Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT) was developed as a three-level, three-phase, case formulation approach whose foundation is in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). Like standard CBT, TBCT is an active and collaborative approach to treatment that helps clients to recognize situationally based thoughts and unhelpful beliefs that exacerbate emotional distress. One of the main goals of TBCT is to help clients modify the so-called core beliefs (CBs) which are those global, rigid, and over-generalized perceptions about themselves, others, and the world that are accepted as absolutely true. TBCT has a unique approach to conceptualization and techniques that make it a distinct intervention in modifying clients’ cognitions at the three levels that include CBs, assumptions or rules about the world, and automatic thoughts. One of the main techniques used in TBCT is the Trial-Based Thought Record (Trial I), a structured strategy that is presented using an to the courtroom and associated practice of law. The therapist engages the client in a simulation of the judicial process and supports the client in strengthening their inner defense attorney (DA) rather than an inner prosecutor. The TBCT therapist uses a creative and stimulating process to make clients aware of their CBs, engaging them in a constructive trial to develop more positive and functional beliefs. In this presentation,  attendees will be introduced to this integrative and experiential approach to CBT in which they will observe Dr. de Oliveira implement TBCT’s main innovative techniques, namely, Intrapersonal Thought Record (Intra-TR), Participation Grid (PG), and Trial I.

CE Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the CBT model to the patient according to TBCT conceptualization diagram
2. Describe and use the Intra-TR with patients
3. Describe the steps for implementing the “Trial-Based Thought Record” strategy in clinical practice
4. List and implement strategies for assessing the impact of TBCT on changing patients’ CBs

About Presenter

Irismar Reis de Oliveira, MD, PhD, is a full Professor of Psychiatry at the Federal University of Bahia, in Brazil. His background includes activities as an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Head of the Psychiatry Service at the same university. He is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy (ABCT); Brazilian Association of Psychiatry; and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ACT). He has written 130 articles, 25 book chapters and has edited/published six books. He developed Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (www.trialbasedcognitivetherapy.com), and has trained therapists in the USA, Brazil and other countries in this model.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure and with some clinical experience. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Continuing Education

• Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• This program provides four (4) hours of CE credits.
• PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Full attendance is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed.
• * PBTA does not currently offer CE to practitioners licensed in the state of New York.
• All events are Eastern Time Zone 
• Contact PBTAcontinuingeducation@philabta.org if you need any learning accommodations no later than one week before event.
• The presenter has not reported any potential conflicts of interest -- he does report that books that can be purchased and attendees can also read peer-reviewed journal articles.
  

Recommended Readings

• de-Oliveira IR (2015) Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy: A Manual for Clinicians. Routledge, New York, 208 p.
• De-Oliveira, I. R. (2016). Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy: Distinctive Features. Routledge, New York, 155 p. 3.
• Morrison AS, Potter CM, Kinner DG, Jensen D, Bruce L, Wong J, de-Oliveira IR, Sudak D, Heimberg R (2015) The cognitive distortions questionnaire (CD-Quest): Psychometric properties and exploratory factor analysis. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 8:287-305.
• Osmo F, Duran V, Wenzel A, de-Oliveira IR, Nepomuceno S, Madeira M, Menezes I (2018) The negative core beliefs inventory: Development and psychometric properties. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 32:67-84.