Certified Online Training Course on Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) and Depression in Older Adults (MCT-Silver)

"I never succeed at anything," "I'm so unlucky, something always goes wrong," "I'm a failure!" Statements such as these are examples of cognitive distortions and are typical of individuals suffering from depression. This is precisely where Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT; Jelinek et al., 2023: Metacognitive Training for Depression; Beltz: Weinheim) comes in.

D-MCT is a group-based intervention grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it has a somewhat different therapeutic focus. Supported by a wide range of presentation slides, therapists guide participants through targeted exercises aimed at identifying and reducing the impact of cognitive biases and “thinking traps.” Many of the (meta)cognitive exercises were specifically developed for MCT, while others incorporate elements from CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Metacognitive Therapy by Adrian Wells.

A key characteristic of D-MCT is its playful and humorous approach to distressing topics, which makes it particularly popular among patients who might otherwise show lower treatment adherence.

In five learning modules featuring texts, videos, interactive exercises, and visual materials, this online training course teaches you how to facilitate group sessions of D-MCT and its adaptation for older adults with depression (MCT-Silver), including how to manage challenging therapeutic situations.

No special software is required for this online continuing education course, and you can learn at your own pace. All modules can be completed conveniently from home (you may pause the course at any time).

The aim of this online training course is to prepare you to conduct D-MCT and MCT-Silver.

Upon completion of the course, you will

• understand the content and theoretical background of both programs;
• be familiar with common cognitive distortions in depression and how they are addressed within the training;
• have learned about the different task formats used in the programs;
• know how to guide and facilitate the programs as a trainer;
• know how to handle potentially challenging therapeutic situations during the training; and
• be familiar with the empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the programs.

Please note that the D-MCT manual by Jelinek, Hauschildt, and Moritz can be downloaded here: https://clinical-neuropsychology.de/metacognitive_training_for_depression/