Online training in Control-Focused Behavioral Treatment

Online training in Control-Focused Behavioral Treatment (CFBT) is provided by Professor Metin Başoğlu, who is one of the most prominent authorities in his field. He is internationally known for his cutting-edge and innovative research on treatment of trauma caused by wars, torture, and earthquakes. If you are not familiar with his work, take your time to examine his biography, research program, publications, media output, and blog articles to have an idea how his work informs professional and public opinion through media. Some of his published articles can be downloaded from ResearchGate.

Why train in CFBT?

This training program offers a unique opportunity to learn how to deliver CFBT, an innovative and highly effective intervention developed by Professor Başoğlu over 30 years of rigorous research. A brief overview of CFBT can be found at Control-Focused Behavioral Treatment. CFBT stands apart from other treatments in several critical ways, including its underlying theory, presumed mechanisms of action, techniques and procedures, and demonstrated efficacy.

For a deeper understanding of CFBT’s distinctive advantages, visitors are encouraged to explore the sections on evolution and evidence base, overview of efficacy, CFBT compared with other treatments, mechanisms of recovery, distinctive features, and a treatment dissemination model. These sections provide detailed insights into the unique characteristics and scientific foundation that make CFBT a superior choice for treating trauma-related conditions.

Training Program

The training program consists of 12 weekly online seminars covering the topics outlined in the SYLLABUS. Professor Başoğlu emphasizes an ‘active participation’ approach to training, moving away from traditional didactic methods that rely solely on lectures. This approach requires trainees to actively engage in their learning process by preparing for each seminar in advance. Participants will be provided with reading materials before each session, including (but not limited to) selected articles and chapters from Professor Başoğlu’s publications. They are expected to read the assigned materials and present them for discussion during the seminars. This method is designed to help participants familiarize themselves with the topics beforehand, enabling them to come prepared with questions or issues for deeper discussion. This ensures a thorough understanding of the material and facilitates smooth progress through the program.

While the training does not include opportunities to observe the delivery of CFBT, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of its theory and practice through the reading assignments and interactive discussions with Professor Başoğlu. For those currently working with trauma survivors, there will be opportunities to present cases for behavioral analysis and treatment demonstration, providing practical insights into the application of CFBT.

Additionally, the training offers an opportunity to learn about the mental healthcare model for mass trauma survivors developed by Professor Başoğlu. Participants will also gain access to assessment instruments that are integral to the treatment process, which they can use in their future work.

Given the program’s structure, which includes weekly reading assignments, it is essential to select a 3-month period during which you can dedicate sufficient time and focus to fully benefit from this training. This commitment ensures that participants can engage meaningfully with the material and maximize their learning experience.

Timing of training

There are four 3-month training periods during a year: January to April, April to July, July to October, and October to January.

Fee policy

The online training program will be conducted when there are a minimum of 5 applicants who are able to participate in the program during the same period. Each training period will involve a maximum of 10 participants. Depending on the number of participants, the fees are as follows:

5 participants: 5,000 USD / person

6-10 participants: 4,000 USD /person

Training in groups is preferred, as this is likely to make the training more affordable. If interested, it is worth registering your interest with Professor Başoğlu as early as possible so that the actual cost (and date) of training can be determined sooner than later.

Application procedures

Please send a letter of intent to Professor Başoğlu (mbasoglu@dabatem.org) and provide answers to the questions below.

Have you received any previous training in psychological trauma? If so, from whom or where?
Do you have any previous training in any form of psychotherapy (e.g. psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral)?
Are you currently involved in any work with trauma survivors? If yes, please briefly describe its nature.
How familiar are you with Professor Başoğlu’s work?
How do you think the training program will contribute to your future career?
What are your first and second preferences among the four start dates of the 3-month training program (January, April, July, October)?
What is the source of funding for your training (e.g. personal, scholarship, grant, etc.)?

Registration

Registration will require an initial deposit payment of 1,000 USD. Please note that a full refund upon subsequent cancellation will be possible only if the applicant provides reasons beyond one’s control (e.g. illness, etc.) or if the training is cancelled by Professor Başoğlu for some reason. The remaining amount may be paid any time until the start of the training period.

Certification of training

A certificate of attendance at the training program can be provided, if requested.