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Cracking the Code of the 5 Core Fears: The Deconstructing Anxiety Model

Sep. 20, 2025

10:00 AM - 1:15 PM (EST)

Virtual Event
3 CE Credits
This live virtual event equips clinicians with a powerful method for identifying the single “core fear”—known as a “schema” in CBT—that underlies all forms of anxiety. Through a structured process of deconstructing their challenges, clients can gain deep insight into their core fear, paving the way for more effective treatment and long-term relief.
Many psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety disorders are effective (Bandelow et al., 2015), with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) generally better than other approaches (van Dis et al., 2020). The Deconstructing Anxiety model is a new synthesis of evidence-based techniques, highlighting empirically demonstrated common themes as most helpful.This model teaches clinicians how to identify the root causes of anxiety, rather than addressing more superficial layers of the problem.Employing CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness and positive psychology approaches, this model aims to address the resistances that keep anxiety alive, and transform them into a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment.The program presents a method for discovering the single “core fear” (i.e., “schema” in CBT) at the root of all anxiety, helping clients find this core fear when they appropriately deconstruct a problem. Core fears have been proposed for social phobia (Moscovitch, 2009) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Gillihan et al., 2012) and are viewed as necessary to address for treatment to be effective. The psychodynamic theory postulates that we develop our primary defenses to protect ourselves from these fears, but always at a high cost. This leaves us constantly holding vigil, on the lookout for the resurfacing of the threat. When this process spins out of control, an anxiety disorder develops. Various approaches are offered to address the anxiety disorders based on the clinician’s assessment, and include an emphasis on exposure therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness, and a process for taking actions toward a positive future (learned optimism) to enhance “flourishing” and establish “flow.”Seminar participants will learn to use different evidence-based approaches to treat anxiety under this framework.

This live interactive webinar is designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

Counselors

Social Workers

Psychotherapists

Marriage & Family Therapists

Psychologists

Substance Use Disorders Counselors

Case Managers

Physicians

Other Mental Health Professionals

Todd Pressman, PhD

Dr. Pressman is an international presenter, psychologist, and author. He is the founder and director of Logos Wellness Center and Pressman and Associates Life Counseling Center, which is dedicated to helping people design lives of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. His studies under some of the world’s leaders in the Consciousness movement, as well as the personal grooming he received from a father whose teachers were students of Sigmund Freud, prepared the way for the discovery of the holistic principles he espouses. His work with Olympic athletes and high-performing CEOs has further honed his understanding of the secrets of excellence and the path to fulfillment.

After this training, participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate how to identify a client’s unique core fear and chief defense.
  • Describe the core fear/chief defense model of anxiety.
  • Analyze the five core fears and the primary and secondary defenses we develop in response to them.

10:00 -10:05 am – Introduction

10:05-10:30 am – Introduction, Overview of various approaches for anxiety disorders

10:30-11:00 am – Evidence-based techniques, identifying causes of anxiety

11:00-11:30 am – Addressing resistances with CBT, mindfulness and positive psychology

11:30-11:45 am – Break

11:45-12:15 pm – Transforming fear and anxiety into a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment

12:15-12:45 pm – Effectively identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety disorders, leading to better outcomes for patients.

12:45-1:05 – Lack of knowledge and skills among mental health professionals to effectively identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety disorders, leading to suboptimal outcomes for patients.

1:05-1:15 – Q&A

Intermediate to advanced.

Registration $65 | Sep. 20 | Virtual Event | 3 CE Credits

Registration Deadline: Sep. 20, 2025

 

Cancellation Policy

You may request to cancel your registration for a future credit up to 72 hours before the event’s date and time. Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the event date/time will not receive a transfer. When you register for an event, you agree to these terms.

A total of 3 CE credits are available.

Additional Approvals Pending.

ASWB ACE

Clinical Events, LLC, (provider # 2201) is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2024 – 11/01/2025.

NBCC

Clinical Events, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved   Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7643 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Clinical Events, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NY State Board of Social Workers

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0828.

NY State Board of Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0329.

NJ State Board of Social Workers & Professional Counselors

New Jersey Social Work Examiners Board accepts ASWB ACE Provider credits.

New Jersey Professional Counselors Board accepts NBCC-approved CE provider credits.

All Other States

All other states accept ASWB ACE Provider credits and NBCC-approved CE provider credits. Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Social Workers

BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC accept ASWB ACE-approved provider programs to meet licensure renewal requirements.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Counsellors

Clinical Events is an NBCC-approved provider.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Financial: Dr. Pressman maintains a private practice. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Pressman receives a speaking honorarium, from Clinical Events, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.

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