COURSE STRUCTURE UPDATE 🧩 MODULE 3: CBT, EXPOSURE & SUPPORT SKILLS

 

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🎯 Module Title

CBT, Exposure Therapy & Supporting People with Low Motivation

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🎓 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Understand Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Explain how CBT supports different mental health conditions
• Describe exposure therapy and how it works
• Support individuals with anxiety and fear safely
• Recognize low motivation and depression
• Use communication skills to support effectively

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📚 Session Breakdown

🔹 Session 1 – Understanding CBT

• What CBT is
• Thoughts, feelings, behaviors
• Breaking problems into smaller parts

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🔹 Session 2 – CBT in Practice

• Anxiety and phobias
• Depression (behavioral activation)
• OCD (ERP)
• PTSD (trauma-focused CBT)

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🔹 Session 3 – Exposure Therapy

• What exposure therapy is
• Fear hierarchy (ladder)
• Gradual exposure
• Safety and support

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🔹 Session 4 – Supporting Low Motivation

• Signs of depression
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Avolition (low motivation)
• Daily living struggles

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🔹 Session 5 – Communication & Support Skills

• What to say
• What not to say
• Active listening
• Building trust

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🔹 Session 6 – Practical Skills & Role Play

• Supporting someone step-by-step
• Exposure support practice
• Motivation support scenarios

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🔹 Session 7 – Assessment

• Quiz
• Scenario-based questions
• Reflection

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🗣️ COMMUNICATION SKILLS SECTION (ADD TO MODULE)

🤝 Why Communication Matters

People with mental health difficulties may:

• Feel judged
• Struggle to open up
• Feel misunderstood

👉 The way we speak can help or harm

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✅ What TO Say

✔ “I’m here for you”
✔ “Take your time”
✔ “We can do this together”
✔ “That sounds really hard”
✔ “You’re not alone”

👉 These build trust and safety

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❌ What NOT to Say

❌ “Just get over it”
❌ “Others have it worse”
❌ “You’re being lazy”
❌ “Snap out of it”

👉 These increase shame and withdrawal

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👂 Active Listening Skills

• Give full attention
• Do not interrupt
• Use eye contact (if appropriate)
• Nod or show understanding

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🔁 Helpful Techniques

🪞 Paraphrasing

Repeat back what they said:

👉 “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed”

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❤️ Validation

Acknowledge feelings:

👉 “That makes sense given what you’re going through”

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🤫 Silence (Powerful Tool)

• Give space to think
• Do not rush

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⚖️ Balance: Support vs Independence

✔ Support gently
✔ Encourage small steps

❌ Do everything for them
❌ Force them

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🎭 ROLE-PLAY SCENARIOS (TRAINING USE)

Scenario 1 – Low Motivation

Situation:
Person has not brushed their teeth or showered.

Good Response:

• “Would you like me to sit with you while you try?”
• Break into steps

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Scenario 2 – Anxiety / Fear

Situation:
Person avoids going outside.

Good Response:

• “Let’s try standing near the door first”
• Encourage small exposure

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Scenario 3 – Negative Thinking

Situation:
Person says: “I’m useless”

Good Response:

• “What makes you feel that way?”
• Gently challenge the thought

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🧩 EXTENDED QUIZ (FOR MODULE)

Multiple Choice

1. What does CBT stand for?
2. What is exposure therapy used for?
3. What is avolition?
4. Which is a good support phrase?
5. What is paraphrasing?

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Scenario Question

Question:
Someone says: “I can’t do anything today.”

👉 How would you respond?

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🌟 FINAL TRAINING MESSAGE

• Communication is as important as knowledge
• Small steps create change
• Support builds confidence
• People recover at different speeds