Distance CBT training – how it actually works

Good distance CBT training is a structured course of study with scheduled supervision, live seminars, mandatory assessments and – most importantly – your own client work throughout the training. Here's what it looks like in practice.

What does "distance" actually mean?

Distance format can mean three different things. Purely asynchronous means material you work through at your own pace: lectures, texts, quizzes. Blended (hybrid) combines asynchronous material with scheduled live sessions on Zoom or Teams. Fully live means video seminars with the whole course group at fixed times each week. Most reputable Swedish CBT trainings fall into the middle category: you control your own daily pace, but have a number of fixed live sessions each term.

What a typical study week looks like

• 6–10 hours reading course material and watching lectures at your own pace.
• 2–3 hours of supervision in a small group via video call (fortnightly on Step-1).
• 1–2 client cases if you're already practising, with record-keeping and case discussion.
• Ongoing written assignments in the learning portal – case formulation, reflection, MCQs.

Supervision. The most important part of the training

Supervision isn't something you can skip. On Step-1 it usually takes place in a group of at most four students; group supervision comprises 120 hours together with a licensed psychotherapist. You go through your own client cases, recordings of sessions and cases from the course literature. The supervisor corrects your conversation technique, case formulation and treatment plan: and signs off the hours you need to complete the course. Without supervision, the training isn't valid, no matter how good you are at the theory.

Your own client work: the requirement many miss

Step-1 requires you to have access to clients, patients or students to work with throughout the training. This means you either need to already be practising in client-facing work, or arrange a placement. This isn't just true of Psyklinisk – it applies to all authorised Step-1 trainings in Sweden. If you don't have this in place, sort it out before the course starts.

The learning portal. Where the work happens

Good distance trainings have a dedicated learning portal where modules, lectures, assignments, assessments, supervision logs, a library and contact with tutors are all gathered in one place. At Psyklinisk, a purpose-built portal is used, where you find your modules, upload submissions, sit MCQ assessments and take part in group discussions.

Assessments at a distance

Assessment varies by module and may include written assignments, theory examinations and assessment of client work under a licensed psychotherapist with supervisor training. Rules on aids, independent work and resits should be specified in the programme’s guidelines and agreement. A private course is not automatically subject to statutory university disciplinary rules.

What you need at home

• A stable broadband connection – for video calls and streaming lectures.
• A computer with a webcam, microphone and headphones (ideally a headset for supervision).
• A private space for supervision and secure handling of client information. The provider must assess what may be shared with the training programme; statutory healthcare confidentiality must not be confused with contractual confidentiality.
• A calendar with room for 15–20 hours of study per week on a part-time basis.

Does it really work as well as in-person training?

Distance learning can provide good educational opportunities, but quality must be assessed through content, clinical practice, supervision and assessment. Scheduled seminars and regular feedback matter. Evidence for digitally delivered treatment does not itself establish equivalence of all remote therapist-training formats.

Frequently asked questions