🔍Welcome to the Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)

Free Course by Everything IFS Academy | Therapeutic Modalities Series

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Welcome to the Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) Course for Everyday People

In the 1990s, in a research clinic in Montreal, psychologists Kieron O'Connor and Frederick Aardema began asking a question most OCD treatment had skipped over: where does the obsession actually come from? The approach they built together, Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, answers it with a lens that changed how many people understand the disorder: OCD begins with a doubt, and that doubt is produced by a particular style of reasoning rather than by anything happening in reality. Resolve the doubt at its source, and the compulsion loses its job. I-CBT is supported by randomized controlled trials, and it's known for something many people find hard to believe until they try it: it does not require deliberately exposing yourself to the things you fear.

This course teaches pure I-CBT, with no other modalities blended in. It's written in plain, emotionally relatable language anyone can follow, whether you work in the field or have never set foot in a therapy room. It isn't clinical training for therapists; it's I-CBT you can put to use in your own life. Each module offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and the practical tools, techniques, and strategies I-CBT is known for, and every lesson ends with a simple practice so you can begin using the skill right away.

This course is self-paced, with no tests, exams, or homework. Feel free to go through it in order, or jump around to whatever interests you most.

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Course outline

Click any lesson below to begin.

Orientation

Module 1 What Is I-CBT

Module 2 Kieron O'Connor & Frederick Aardema

Module 3 The Obsessional Sequence

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Core Teachings

Module 4 Obsessional Doubt vs Normal Doubt

Module 5 Inferential Confusion

Module 6 The Obsessional Story

Module 7 100% Imaginary, 100% Irrelevant

Module 8 The OCD Bubble and Crossing Over

Module 9 Reality Sensing

Module 10 The Alternative Story

Module 11 The Feared Self and the Vulnerable Self-Theme

Module 12 The Real Self

Module 13 The Tricks and Cheats of OCD

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Closing

Module 14 Using I-CBT in Everyday Life

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Bonus

Bonus Module How I-CBT Differs From ERP and Traditional CBT

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Disclaimer:

Everything IFS Academy is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the IFS Institute. While we strive for accuracy, errors can occur, and users are encouraged to cross-reference critical information. These courses, lessons, skills, and practices are offered for educational and self-reflection purposes only. They do not constitute therapy, mental health treatment, clinical training, or crisis support, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health care.

Crisis Support: 🚨

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feel unsafe, feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, or feel too overwhelmed to safely use self-directed practices, please pause this material and reach out for immediate support. Contact a licensed mental health professional, call or text 988 in the U.S. or Canada, or use your local emergency or crisis resources.