CBT Essentials for Perinatal Mental Health:
A Self-Study Program for Anxiety, Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts
*479+HST (price at checkout includes HST)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proven and effective approach that helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety, providing measurable and lasting results. CBT is acknowledged as a key treatment method in perinatal mental health.
This training provides a comprehensive, trauma-responsive, and culturally sensitive exploration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the context of perinatal mental health care. It’s a virtual, self-paced training designed specifically for perinatal professionals who want to integrate CBT into their practice in ways that are both effective and compassionate.
While rooted in evidence-based methods, this training goes beyond the standard model by blending CBT with trauma-informed, relational, and cultural humility. You'll explore CBT through a flexible lens that honours the complex, intersecting realities of perinatal clients. Whether you work one-on-one with clients or facilitate group sessions, are new to CBT or are looking to deepen your skills, this program will equip you with adaptable tools, relevant case studies, and transferable strategies you can use in practice immediately.
Evidence-Based Skills for Treating PMADs
This training provides practical skills and insights to help you confidently integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy into your perinatal mental health practice. You will learn how to effectively address perinatal anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts using research-backed CBT techniques grounded in real-world applications. Designed for both individual and group settings, this workshop equips you with trauma-responsive tools that support your clients' healing as well as your professional growth.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is open to anyone wishing to enhance their ability to support perinatal clients with their mental health. Ideal for mental health professionals, wellness practitioners, allied health professionals, peer support workers, and students engaged with perinatal populations. There are no prerequisites—just a desire to learn and grow in this field.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will confidently identify and address perinatal anxiety and depression using the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). They will learn practical techniques for effectively and compassionately work with perinatal-specific challenges, such as intrusive thoughts, with evidence-based tools that enhance client outcomes. The focus will be on adopting a flexible, client-centered approach.
Core Competencies:
The professional knowledge gained from the workshop includes:
- ☐ A solid understanding of perinatal anxiety and depression, along with tools for assessing signs and symptoms.
- ☐ Extensive knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as an evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts.
- ☐ The ability to assess and create effective treatment/referral plans.
☐ Skills to integrate CBT into your current role when working with perinatal populations, whether in group or one-on-one sessions.
Professional Competencies:
- The skills gained during the workshop can be applied directly in client care, including:
- ☐ Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing, self-blame, and perfectionism.
- ☐ Implementing cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques such as thought-stopping, cognitive restructuring, and behavioural activation.
☐ Supporting clients in managing intrusive thoughts, recognizing symptoms of anxiety, and utilizing grounding techniques.
☐ Designing accessible interventions to aid in mood regulation and foster emotional resilience during the perinatal period.
Program Content and Activities
Topics explored throughout the pre-recorded workshop and activities to help participants apply their learning.
Module 1: CBT Foundations & Critical Reflections
✔️ Understand the history of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including the contributions and critical perspectives that mainstream narratives have excluded or forgotten.
✔️ Explore the core principles and strengths of CBT while addressing critiques of CBT's limitations.
✔️ Discuss concerns regarding cultural bias and therapist-client power dynamics.
Module 2: CBT and the Perinatal Experience
✔️ Enhance your understanding of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) through the lens of CBT.
✔️ Discover how to conceptualize PMADs and create adaptable, culturally responsive support plans.
✔️ Explore the integration of CBT with other approaches for more personalized care.
✔️ Engage with dynamic case studies that showcase the application of CBT with perinatal clients.
Module 3: Reframing and Restructuring Thoughts
✔️Learn how to recognize and gently explore cognitive distortions with clients in a supportive, collaborative way.
✔️Help clients recognize unhelpful patterns and cultivate more compassionate and flexible interpretations of their thoughts.
✔️ Recognize and reflect on your own cognitive biases when working with perinatal individuals.
Module 4: Core CBT Skills and Common Challenges
✔️ Use the ABCDE model to examine and reframe unhelpful thoughts, supporting the development of more adaptive beliefs during pregnancy and postpartum.
✔️ Explore practitioner-led CBT tools and exercises designed to build rapport, create therapeutic flow, and support cohesive, effective sessions.
✔️ Learn to guide clients in identifying reactive patterns, uncovering automatic thoughts, and cultivating more intentional, values-driven responses, without the toxic positivity!
Module 5: Behavioural Activation & Embodied Healing
✔️ Learn how Behavioural Activation (BA) can be a foundational and highly effective intervention within CBT while exploring its limitations in perinatal populations.
✔️ Reframe self-care within a perinatal context by exploring tools that help clients clarify their personal values, understand their needs, and set actionable goals for change.
✔️ Combine top-down strategies with bottom-up approaches to promote embodied healing and regulate the nervous system.
Module 6: Groups, Adaptation, Equality
✔️ Apply your CBT knowledge in group settings, incorporating activities that emphasize safety, inclusion, and a supportive environment for all participants.
✔️ Explore how to adapt CBT for diverse populations, including neurodiverse clients, youth, and individuals with cognitive or language challenges.
✔️ Discuss the role of family systems in CBT and ways to incorporate family support effectively.
**Participants will receive a workbook with reflection activities and handouts on the CBT tools discussed in the course.**
Cost: $479 plus HST
How Does the Self-Paced Program Work?
This is an online, self-paced program. All modules will be available upon registration, allowing participants to work through the program at their own pace.
What to Expect:
- ☐ Learning Platform Access: Participants will gain access to an online learning platform to view module videos, complete interactive activities, and reflect on key concepts.
- ☐ Module Assignments: Each module includes a quiz/assignment to reinforce knowledge and understanding.
- ☐ Supportive Resources: Workbooks, reflection exercises, and a comprehensive resource library are provided to deepen learning and client support.
☐ Upon completing all the modules, quizzes, and activities, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for Essentials of CBT for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression.
Let's Chat
Would you like to learn more about our programs? We're happy to chat with you and help you determine if they're right for you.
Simply click the link below to schedule a Meet & Greet session!
