How to Become a CBT Therapist: Training, Qualifications & What to Expect

Thinking about becoming a CBT therapist but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Sahana, a qualified CBT therapist, to explore the full pathway from PWP training to becoming a band 7 CBT therapist. You’ll discover how the training works, what qualifications you need, and what life is really like during and after the course. From the reality of supervision and showing recorded sessions, to understanding the KSA portfolio and career progression opportunities, this episode offers an honest, practical guide to help you decide if CBT is the right path for you. #CBTTherapist #PsychologyCareers #MentalHealthProfessionals #CognitiveBehaviouralTherapy #AspiringPsychologist ⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why CBT is a popular career path 01:26 – Sahana’s journey from psychology degree to CBT therapist 02:14 – Applying for trainee CBT roles & the KSA portfolio explained 04:44 – How training is funded: salary, fees, and structure 05:11 – Teaching blocks, supervision, and learning from experts 07:08 – The role of supervisors and why support is vital 08:02 – Group supervision & showing recorded sessions 10:07 – Why recordings feel daunting but are essential for growth 11:55 – Assessments, essays, case reports & the CTSR marking system 13:16 – Cohort support, peer networks & leaning on each other 14:55 – Training structure: 2 days university, 3 days placement 15:25 – Qualifying as a band 7 & what the role looks like 16:22 – Balancing face-to-face, remote, and group therapy work 18:06 – Career progression: senior CBT roles & moving into doctorates 19:49 – Why CBT training can be an empowering foundation for your career 20:42 – Wrapping up: reflections & resources Links: 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp Tap to Pay This episode is sponsored by WriteUpp. Their Tap to Pay app turns your smartphone into a card reader, helping private practitioners take secure payments without additional hardware. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336