Treatment of patients with substance use disorders can be fraught with challenges for clinicians. Through their denial system, this patient population may have difficulty fully engaging in treatment, and their interactions can generate strong emotional reactions in the clinicians who are treating them. In this presentation, Dr. Gregory will use principles from Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy to provide a model for understanding some of the dilemmas in working with this patient population and how they may inform pragmatic therapeutic interventions.

This webinar provides attendees an opportunity to learn about the latest developments and advances in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for a wide range of diverse addictive disorders and problematic habitual behaviors, including drug and alcohol misuse, problem gambling, online gaming, and binge eating. We distinguish between content (“What is done in CBT”) and process (“How it is done”). For example, we briefly review the CBT model of addictive disorders and standard techniques for facilitating change (i.e., content). And we highlight processes like structure, collaboration, case conceptualization, and psychoeducation. We describe potential rewards and challenges of working with diverse individuals and in various modalities (e.g., individual and group therapy). While this workshop focuses primarily on addictive disorders, participants will certainly learn about CBT content and processes relevant to all clinical work.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States (2023). CBT approaches to the suicidal patient have been proven to reduce rates of future attempts (Brown et al 2005; Tarrier et al 2008). Active and collaborative work to reduce hopelessness and specific anti-suicide plans are important features of this approach to patients. This webinar will briefly review research on CBT for treating suicidal patients. Particular attention will be paid to development of the CBT elements of a safety plan in a depressed patient. Managing hopeless cognitions will be explored with participants.