The VGCt, the Netherlands Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy (Vereniging voor Gedragstherapie en Cognitieve Therapie), is our national professional association of behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapists and (nurse) practitioners. The association aims to foster responsible delivery of (cognitive) behavioural therapy by upholding and improving the quality of treatments, by offering its members continued further professional education and training, and by serving the scientific and societal interests of its members. (from: www.vgct.nl).

Members of NijCa²re tend to be closely involved with the VGCt, often as (candidate) members or in their capacity as experts in knowledge networks (such as the anxiety disorder group or the depression group) or as committee or board members. The participating institutions of NijCa²re also provide education and training programmes to become a VGCt-certified cognitive-behavioural therapist or (nurse) practitioner.

The VGCt certification programme for cognitive-behavioural therapists is often taken in combination with the health psychology or psychotherapy programme, where the VGCT specialisation is a valuable addition to these qualifications. To earn a VGCt certification, candidates need to take various specialty training courses in cognitive-behavioural therapy,  supervision and conducting an N=1 study. Once certified, all VGCT cognitive-behavioural therapists are to annually attend several training courses or symposia to renew their license.

Since 2006 the VGCt also offers certifications for cognitive-behavioural (nurse) practitioners (Gedragstherapeutisch Werker or CGW certificate) for students having earned specific vocational degrees such as in nursing, socioeducational care work and social/community (care) work. The CGW-certification programme comprises coursework and supervised practical training. To qualify for certification a candidate needs work a minimum of 12 hours a week in a setting offering cognitive-behavioural protocols while under the supervision of a VGCt-certified cognitive-behavioural therapist. For license renewal, the certified practitioner is required to regularly take further education and training courses.

For more information go to: www.vgct.nl