Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Course Dementia

Training Course

Course Overview

This one-day online course offers participants a comprehensive introduction to Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a psychosocial intervention developed at University College London. CST consists of a series of structured sessions designed to enhance cognitive functioning of people living with dementia while providing meaningful social interaction.

This one-day training focuses on active, participatory learning. You will experience CST activities first-hand through group work, role-play, and case studies. The course highlights how Cognitive Stimulation Therapy can improve quality of life for people living with dementia, offering tools and strategies that can be applied across a variety of care settings.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based, cost-effective treatment for people with mild-to-moderate dementia which was developed by Dr. Aimee Spector, a psychologist in the University College London, and her colleagues based on research they had done into therapeutic activities with people with dementia. CST treatment involves 14 or more sessions of themed activities which stimulate different cognitive abilities whilst enjoying the social and supportive benefits of a small group.

CST is now a global standard of care, used in 42 countries and widely implemented by the HSE, nursing homes, and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

You can read more about CST here:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/international-cognitive-stimulation-therapy/

https://www.reminduk.org/get-support/cognitive-stimulation-therapy/

Intended Audience

This training is designed for anyone working with or caring for people living with dementia, whether in a professional or voluntary capacity. It is particularly valuable for:

Healthcare professionals such as nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, and speech & language therapists who want to integrate evidence-based cognitive support into their practice.
Activity coordinators and facilitators working in care homes, day centres, or community services who are looking for structured, engaging activities proven to benefit people with dementia.
Dementia care specialists and carers who want practical tools to support communication, reduce isolation, and create more meaningful social interactions.
Volunteers and family carers who wish to contribute to a higher quality of life for people living with dementia, by using strategies backed by research and clinical practice.

This workshop welcomes participants from all care settings — hospitals, residential care, day centres, or home-based care — and requires no previous CST experience. It is ideal for anyone motivated to provide more stimulating, supportive, and person-centred engagement.

Your Learning Journey

By the end of this interactive one-day workshop, you will be able to:

Understand the theory, origins, and principles behind Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), including the evidence base that supports its effectiveness.
Facilitate and deliver CST sessions that encourage communication, social interaction, and active participation, using structured session outlines and adaptable techniques.
Support cognitive functioning by applying CST activities that strengthen memory, attention, language, and problem-solving in people with dementia.
Adapt and personalise CST sessions to different care environments — from large residential settings to one-to-one home support — while being sensitive to individual needs, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
Evaluate impact and effectiveness of CST activities in your own care setting, using feedback and observation to refine your approach and improve outcomes.
Build confidence and practical skills through role-play, video observation, and group exercises, ensuring you are prepared to deliver CST sessions independently after training.

Evidence-Based Practice

A significant amount of research has been done on CST, providing evidence of its effectiveness. Click here to read research on CST

About the tutor

Dr. Michelle Kelly is a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist and Associate Professor in Psychology. She has delivered CST workshops across multiple settings and is widely respected for her engaging and practical approach to teaching. Michelle combines academic expertise with real-world experience, ensuring that participants leave the workshop with practical skills they can apply immediately. Dr. Kelly is an Accredited CST Tutor and has over 10 years of experience as a lecturer and is proficient in delivering CST training both online and in person.

Dr. Diane O’Mahony is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist working in Neuropsychology, Regional Specialist Memory Clinic, Galway University Hospital (HSE) and is an Accredited CST Tutor. Diane has more than 20 years’ experience working as a psychologist across clinical settings. She works in a clinic that specialises in diagnosing and supporting people with young onset or atypical dementias. She has been involved in setting up, running and evaluating CST groups since 2016, initially in an older adult service, and more recently in the specialist memory clinic.