Socratic Questioning (Essential CBT Skills Series)

Despite its origins being nearly 2500 years old, Socratic Questioning (SQ) in therapy generally and specifically in CBT remains somewhat a mystery to many practitioners. SQ is based on the practice of disciplined and thoughtful dialogue that, on the first sight, appears simple, but in fact – is intensely rigorous. Despite lots of references to SQ as a cornerstone of cognitive therapy (C.Padesky, 1993), there is very little, almost nothing, written about it and how to conduct it. This DVD set is an attempt to give practitioners clear explanation of SQ process and guidance about its use.

Julia Budnik interviews Fiona Kennedy and Paul Grantham, both experienced clinicians, tutors, and Accredited CBT Therapists, about SQ, starting from its origins, followed by a detailed discussion about its practical implications. The interview is followed by a demonstration of SQ in a live session between Fiona and Julia on a personal issue raised by the latter. Suitable for therapists, teachers, and everyone involved in caring professions and those working with understanding and changing clients cognitions.

The structure of this training Video:

• Interview regarding SQ with Dr Fiona Kennedy and Paul Grantham who share their knowledge of SQ based on their extensive experience of its application in therapy, supervision and teaching.
• Demonstration of the use of SQ by Dr Kennedy within a live session.
• Discussion between Paul Grantham, Fiona Kennedy and Julia Budnik about the “practitioner” and the “client” perspectives of SQ session. Emphasis on possible difficulties and obstacles with the use of SQ.

This video material is part of a training series on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that concentrates on introducing specific CBT techniques through a combination of demonstration, discussion and reflection. This video series is specifically designed as a TRAINING TOOL for everyone who works with clients and wants to learn more about this evidence-based effective therapeutic approach.

Course Tutors

Dr. Fiona C. Kennedy BA (Hons), M Clin Psychol, D Clin Psy, AFBPS, C Psychol Fiona has a vast clinical experience in mental health and learning disability fields. She was a Board Member/Trustee for the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP). She has an extensive experience of teaching and presenting, giving regular input to doctoral training programmes. Amongst many other research projects she has studied dissociation after trauma that led to a new theoretical model and scale, as well as innovative new treatments. The creation of an effective treatment service for self-harming, suicidal, ‘revolving door’ inpatients was quoted as an example of national excellence by the governments’ National Audit Office in its House of Commons report ‘Safer Patient Services’ 2005.

Paul Grantham, is a clinical psychologist with extensive NHS, Social Services and training experience. He has written on a range of therapy and helping issues. An extensively informed, clinically experienced and humorous speaker he is known for his emphasis on the practicalities rather than just the theory of client-based work. Paul is a founder and Director of SDS Seminars Ltd and one of the most popular and inspirational tutors in the field of psychological skills training.

Julia Budnik, MD, PhD Senior Training Consultant Julia is a qualified medical doctor with extensive clinical, managerial and teaching experience. She worked for a number of years overseas, in the NHS and privately. A qualified gastroenterologist, Julia has written extensively in the field. Her current interests lie in exploring ways to improve one’s health and quality of life through psychological & behavioural change. As a presenter Julia is particularly praised for her ability to make even the most difficult topic sound easy, interesting, practical and lively.

Course structure

• Video
• Online Test
• Personalised Certificate for 2 CPD Hours