Cognitive behavioural therapy competence of Japanese trainees: A comparison with UK trainees

The present study aimed to assess the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) competences of trainees enrolled in a two-year accredited master’s course in clinical psychology in Japan, and compare their competence levels with those trainees enrolled in a one-year postgraduate CBT diploma course accredited by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) in the UK. Participants (Japan=162, UK=29) responded to questionnaires assessing their CBT competences. Descriptive data suggested that most Japanese trainees regarded themselves as being able to demonstrate little to none of the required CBT competences. The UK trainees rated their CBT competences to be significantly higher than the Japanese trainees on all competence items. Moreover, the number of counselling cases experienced during the training predicted the generic therapeutic competences among Japanese trainees. Furthermore, the number of initial intake interviews performed by the trainees predicted their basic CBT competences, specific CBT techniques, and meta-competences. The key limitations of the study were differences in participants’ age and their experiences prior to the enrolment in the course reported between the two countries. Future studies should consider the effects of these factors on trainees’ CBT competences.