Training FAQs - MiCBT Institute
What is the difference between MiCBT and MBCT?
Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are both evidence-based approaches that inevitably overlap but are also different in several ways. This is because the two methods were originally designed for different purposes, originate from different teachings and teachers of mindfulness training, and incorporate different Western psychological methods.
Click below to download the pdf for a brief overview of these techniques, with more information on MiCBT, given that it is less well known than MBCT.
The MiCBT Institute provides live online training at set dates and times in the following formats:
Teaching is a combination of lectures, group discussions, knowledge checks, video demonstrations and Q and A sessions.
Other training programs include on-demand Masterclasses and Residential Retreats.
We also provide group training for Service Providers and Associations, either in-person or online.
Which training do I start with?
Start your journey with one of our foundation courses or introductory workshops.
The MiCBT provides a certificate of completion to therapists who complete the training. The certificate indicates completion of training and the number of hours attended, which may be used as a guide for claiming CPD/CE. Please check eligibility with your professional body regarding other criteria.
Please note that we do not provide a Certificate of Completion unless you attend at least 8 of the 10 online classes.
For information on the MiCBT Certification program, please see here.
Who is eligible to participate in MiCBT training?
We welcome registered and currently practising psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners (mental health – level 2), mental health social workers, mental health occupational therapists, mental health nurses and professionally qualified counsellors. Please check if there are other specific pre-requisites for each training.
What is the core MiCBT training?
Core MiCBT training consists of:
At the end of core MiCBT training, you will have acquired the necessary skills to implement MiCBT to groups and individual clients. You will also have access to dozens of training videos and can add your name and practice details to the online MiCBT Therapist directory. You can also apply for MiCBT Certification after 1 year of clinical practice at the Core MiCBT level.
I would like to register for a course but may not be able to attend all the online sessions. Is it possible to catch up at another time?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to attend the missed lessons at a later stage. However, as all of the online sessions are recorded for review, you can watch the missed session later at your convenience.
Can I defer my registration in a training that I have purchased?
Please contact [email protected] if you need to defer your participation in training. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
I am a very experienced mindfulness practitioner. Do I still have to take the Foundation Course?
Yes. The Foundation Course provides base MiCBT concepts, ensures adherence to the model in the practice of MiCBT and helps us establish consistency in excellence across a broad range of disciplines.
Accordingly, unless you have learned this particular way of integrating CBT and mindfulness training, you will need to attend the Foundation Course; it is not only about learning to meditate.
Feedback from past trainees, even those already trained in other mindfulness-based methods, is that our 12-week course is informative, engaging, and beneficial, both personally and professionally.
I've never attended online classes before. What do I need?
The online teaching component of our courses, masterclasses and supervision sessions are through Zoom. Zoom is accessed through your internet browser, and you do not need to purchase any software – all you need is a computer with a good internet connection, a headset with a microphone and a webcam. If you would like to test your computer now, click here to run a Zoom Diagnostic test.
Who do I contact if I have a question about the training or the material covered?
Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions you may have about training.
What are the benefits of MiCBT Certification?
MiCBT Certified Clinicians receive a signed certificate, have access to resources provided by the MiCBT Institute and discounts on select MiCBT offerings. In addition to a public listing on our Find a Therapist directory, certified MiCBT therapists have access to publicly list any MiCBT events for the community on the Community Events page they may have organised.
Am I eligible for MiCBT Certification? What are the prerequisites?
Individuals must be registered and practising mental health therapists.
The following steps are to be completed before applying for certification:
Complete the following core MiCBT Institute courses:
- MiCBT Foundation Course
- MiCBT Applied Course
Complete 12 individual supervision/mentorship sessions
Complete 6 MiCBT Masterclasses
Attend 1 MiCBT-Institute 5-Day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
Attest to the following:
- I have implemented MiCBT with 8 individual clients OR I have implemented MiCBT with 2 individual clients and 2 groups
- I have implement MiCBT with at least 1 complex client
- I have completed 12 individual supervision/mentorship sessions
What kind of technology is required for MiCBT Certification?
You will need reliable internet access for Zoom video conference calls and classes.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to become an MiCBT Certified Clinician?
The certification program is flexible in nature, so the financial and time investment can vary.
There is an initial application fee of $390.
Core training costs between AUD $2550-2750 (Foundation + Applied Course)
Advanced training includes 1-hour supervision sessions, 2-hour masterclasses and a 5-day retreat (approx 24 training hours plus 5 days for the retreat) with an approximate total cost of AUD$4500.
We estimate that the entire process takes an average of 2-3 years. We do not require certification to be completed within a certain time frame.
Does MiCBT Certification give me license to provide therapy?
No, MiCBT Institute Certification is intended as a form of continuing education and assessment for licensed therapists already practising. You are not awarded a degree and our training does not confer a license to provide therapy. Instead, our training helps clinicians achieve proficiency in providing MiCBT effectively and with fidelity to the evidence-based model.
To find out how to be licensed to practice therapy in your area, check with the governing board of licenses in your region.
If I gain certification with the MiCBT Institute, am I certified for life?
MiCBT Certification is valid for 2 years. To maintain certification, clinicians are required to complete the following within the 2 year period:
regularly implement MiCBT with clients (minimum 10 clients)
undertake Supervision/Mentorship sessions (min. 10 sessions, either 1:1 or online group supervision/mentorship)
Attend 1 retreat (minimum 5-day-retreat); either a MiCBT retreat (with focus on intensive meditation) or a Vipassana retreat.
After four years, clinicians will be required to recertify. The recertification process ensures continued fidelity to the MiCBT model.