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Introduction to CAT Courses

ACAT CAT Introductory workshops are designed to stimulate interest in CAT and keep ACAT members up to date. They are not ACAT accredited trainings and do not equip someone to offer CAT as a psychological therapy.

These are introductory workshops usually of one or two days in length. While certificates of attendance for Introductory workshops and CPD are given, the courses are not assessed and do not lead to a qualification. 

"A clear introduction to the principles and practice of Cognitive Analytic Therapy"

The general aim of Introductory Courses is to provide a clear introduction to the principles and practice of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). They provide an opportunity for participants to try out the methods and evaluate their interest in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT).  They also help to identify further options for training or supervision. Participants will need some familiarity with the use of psychological ideas and methods in responding to mental health problems and emotional distress.

Key Ideas

• reformulation and brief structured therapy
• states of mind 
• reciprocal roles and a dialogic understanding of problem patterns
• enactments and therapeutic moments

"This two day course was really engaging and really clear in developing my understanding of the concepts and how to start using them"

Typical Methods 

• collaborative and conversational use of diagrams and writing
• using CAT as a consultative method
• active use of time and endings

An Integrative Approach

• to psychological therapies and mental health work
• differences and similarities with other models of therapy

Learning methods include the use of case material, including role play or audio/video material, to demonstrate and develop skills in the use of therapeutic methods, lecture presentations and small group work.

"One of the most useful trainings that I have ever attended as it’s started a flood of formulations in my head for some current clinical and organisational challenges"

Who are these courses suitable for?

Counsellors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others interested in learning more about Cognitive Analytic Therapy as a response to mental health problems.

How to book a CAT Introductory Training  

There are usually a minimum of four CAT Introductory Events each year across the UK, with two in London and one in Manchester (September).  Booking can be made via the ACAT website.  In addition, many CAT training centres offer introductory courses.  Current events are listed below

Bespoke CAT Introductory Days

We also have a bank of experienced trainers who are willing to provide ‘bespoke’ introductory CAT workshops.  If your organisation or Trust is interested in hosting an Introduction to CAT which can be designed to fit your specific service needs, please contact Alison Marfell, ACAT Administrator, in the first instance:  alison.marfell@acat.me.uk

 

Revised November 2020

 

What has been written about CAT?  Click here. 

Introducing Cognitive Analytic Therapy: Principles and Practice (Psychology) 
by Anthony Ryle  (Author), Ian B. Kerr (Author), Paperback – 29 Jan 2002

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CAT Introductory Event Courses

ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online || 08-07-25

#ACATIntro0725 A two-day introduction to the skills and concepts in practice, led by Steve Potter and Annalee Curran This highly-rated short course is offered by ACAT for people new to the CAT way of working. The course will be held online using Zo...

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ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online || 09-09-25

Bookings temporarily suspended while we migrate to a new website – please check back towards the end of April. Thank you #ACATIntro0925 A two-day introduction to the skills and concepts in practice, led by Steve Potter and Annalee Curran Th...

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ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online || 11-11-25

Bookings temporarily suspended while we migrate to a new website – please check back towards the end of April. Thank you #ACATIntro1125 A two-day introduction to the skills and concepts in practice, led by Steve Potter and Annalee Curran Th...

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Our Next 3 CAT Introductory Events

8th July 2025
ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online

9th September 2025
ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online

11th November 2025
ACAT: Two Day Introduction to CAT - Online