Depression is one of the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions globally. Traditional therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy often focus on the content of negative thoughts. In contrast, Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) shifts the focus to how individuals relate to their thoughts—targeting maladaptive thinking patterns called the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS). The CAS consist of strategies such as rumination and worry and MCT targets the metacognitive beliefs causing these strategies.
This training will give a practical and evidence-based introduction to metacognitive therapy for depression and guide participants through the theoretical underpinnings, core techniques, and clinical rationale of MCT.
The session will include case examples, experiential practice, and a discussion of recent research findings supporting the efficacy of MCT in treating depression. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to help clients disengage from unhelpful thought processes and restructure unhelpful metacognitive beliefs through the metacognitive model.
CE Learning Objective(s)
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe the foundational principles and theory behind Metacognitive Therapy (MCT).
- Explain how case-formulation and socialisation is done.
- Demonstrate how to guide clients in identifying and modifying unhelpful metacognitive beliefs.
- Explain the role of attention training in MCT and its impact on metacognitive awareness and depressive symptoms.
- Describe key differences between MCT and other paradigms such as traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
About Presenter
Pia Callesen, Ph.D.
Pia Callesen, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, author, and one of the leading experts in Metacognitive Therapy. She is the director of Cektos – Centre for Metacognitive Therapy in Denmark, where she supervises a team of over 25 clinicians. Dr. Callesen has conducted several clinical trials and contributed extensively to the dissemination of MCT for depression in Scandinavia and beyond. She is the author of several bestselling books on metacognitive therapy and is known for her clear, accessible teaching style that bridges clinical theory with everyday therapeutic practice.
Target Audience
This workshop is designed for licensed professionals & advanced graduate students with clinical experience who anticipate seeking licensure as mental health professionals. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER .
- Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- This program provides three and a half (3.5) hours of CE credits.
- * PBTA now offers CE to licensed psychologists licensed in the state of New York. Attestation of full attendance and provision of license number post-event required to obtain certificate that meets NY criteria for CE.
- PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Non-psychologist licensees in other states should confirm with their respective boards if this meets criteria for CE in their specific non-PA states.
- Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
Suggested Readings
Andersson, E., Aspvall, K., Schettini, G., Kraepelien, M., Särnholm, J., Wergeland, G. J., & Öst, L. G. (2025). Efficacy of metacognitive interventions for psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 54(2), 276-302.
Callesen, P. (2020) Live More Think Less. Icon Books.
Callesen, P., Reeves, D., Heal, C., & Wells, A. (2020). Metacognitive therapy versus cognitive behaviour therapy in adults with major depression: a parallel single-blind randomised trial. Scientific reports, 10(1), 7878.
Wells, A. (2009). Metacognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression. Guilford Press.
Wells, A., & Fisher, P. (Eds.). (2015). Treating depression: MCT, CBT, and third wave therapies. John Wiley & Sons.
