Innovate, Educate, and Elevate

Jan. 18 | 3 CE Credits | 10:00 am - 1:15 pm ET

Deconstructing Anxiety: A New Approach to Understanding and Treating Anxiety Disorders 

There are many psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety disorders that 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.

• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Therapists
• Counselors.

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, 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. Dr. Pamela Harmell, PhD is a national lecturer specializing in legal and ethical issues in clinical practice. She is a Professor at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, has written extensively in professional publications on ethical practice, and has formally studied law. She is the Past President of the Board of Psychology. Dr. Harmell is the former Chair of the California State Ethics Committee and former Chair of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Ethics Committee. She served on the Board of Directors of the California Psychological Association and is the Past President of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association.

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

Registration $60 | Jan. 18 | Virtual Event | 3 CE Credits

Registration Deadline:  Jan. 18, 2025 

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 offered. 

Approvals Pending.

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