Clinical Topics & Methods Category

CBT: History, Evolution, Key Concepts and Empirical Base

3 CE Hours
3 members have taken this course
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About the Course

CBT is sometimes practiced without a full understanding of the theoretical model that informs its techniques. This session provides an overview of the history and evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy since its development in the late 1970s. Participants will examine the core principles of the CBT model, explore how psychological difficulties are conceptualized within this framework, and review the research evidence supporting both the model and CBT-based therapeutic approaches.

This course is based on the recorded webinar, CBT: History, Evolution, Key Concepts and Empirical Base created by John Ludgate in 2026.

Publication Details

Publication Date: Originally presented as a live event Mar 4th, 2026

Course Material Author

John Ludgate, Ph.D.

John Ludgate, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, who has worked as a psychotherapist for more than 30 years and specializes in treating mood, anxiety, relationship, and psychosexual disorders. As well as having an active clinical practice, he is involved in training and supervision in CBT. Dr. Ludgate has written numerous journal articles and book chapters in the field of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety and Depression, most recently contributing a chapter on Relapse Prevention to the Handbook of CBT (2021) published by the American Psychological Association. He has presented many seminars and workshops on cognitive behavioral approaches, both nationally and internationally.

John Ludgate authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Target Audience

This course is intended for Behavioral Health professionals, including addiction counselors, counselors, and marriage & family therapists. It is appropriate for beginner levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Describe the history and evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from its origins to contemporary practice.
  2. 2 Explain the core principles and components of the Cognitive Behavioral model of psychological disturbance.
  3. 3 Summarize the research evidence supporting CBT and its associated therapeutic approaches.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Montana Board of Behavioral Health (BBH)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 31st, 2029
This course has been approved by CE Learning Systems, service provider of Impact CE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #192243, CE Learning Systems is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Sep 30th, 2028
This course has been approved by CE Learning Systems, service provider of Impact CE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #192243, CE Learning Systems is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NAADAC Approved Education Provider
Module 1

Video - Part 1
Paid material

  • CBT: History, Evolution, Key Concepts and Empirical Base - Part 1

    Enroll and start the course to view these materials.

  • Slides for Part 1
Module 2

Video - Part 2
Paid material

  • CBT: History, Evolution, Key Concepts and Empirical Base - Part 2 This material is sold by CE Learning Systems for $0.00.

    Enroll and start the course to view these materials.

  • Slides for Part 2
  • Additonal Readings

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