Ottawa – Oct 9-10, 2013

Toronto – Oct 22-23, 2013

Vancouver – Nov 5-6, 2013

A new two-day workshop

presented by Christine A. Padesky, Ph.D.

The good news in depression treatment is that there are many effective interventions. The challenges for therapists are how to: (1) choose interventions that are most likely to help a given depressed client in the time available, (2)  engage the client so he or she gives these interventions a full opportunity to help, and (3) respond to pessimism, hopelessness and negativity so these do not produce a drag on therapy's effectiveness.

This new workshop by master clinician and teacher Christine A. Padesky, PhD shows therapists how to meet these three challenges in both individual and group therapy.  Emphasis is on effective clinical methods with a strong evidence-base. In addition, Dr. Padesky integrates her seminal work on strengths-focused CBT to illustrate how depressed and suicidal clients benefit when these interventions build on existing strengths.

To prepare this workshop, Dr. Padesky contacted several leading researchers to identify best practice guidelines, especially emerging ideas not yet widely disseminated. It is encouraging that each decade brings fresh knowledge and new findings to advance the successful treatment of depression and suicide.  As a result, participants in this workshop have access to evidence-based measures that can help make treatment decisions (e.g., when to stop therapy and when additional sessions are recommended) and to rate client skills linked to lower rates of remission and relapse.

 Use evidence-based measures to help make treatment decisions,

such as when to stop therapy and when additional  sessions are needed.

“I was completely engaged due to the pace we moved at. The disorders described are exactly those that I work with and I was constantly taken aback by the new ideas I can now implement with my patients which is great and will keep my job exciting!”

Attendee at Dr. Padesky’s 2012 workshop in London.

All therapists need to have a high level of skill in assessment of suicide risk. Padesky provides interview questions to guide suicide assessment, including suicidal imagery. She also illustrates evidenced-based interventions that can lower suicide risk, reduce suicide attempts, and increase client safety.

In today's healthcare environment it is important to:

• efficiently use therapist time and efforts
• focus on specific symptoms / create "smarter" therapy
• space sessions to reduce the "discontinuation  effect"
• strategically use self-help materials, groups, and individual therapy
• structure CBT groups to maximize participation, skill development and reduce relapse risk

To enhance learning, participants observe skillful demonstrations by Dr. Padesky and then try out best practice methods in role plays and guided exercises. Detailed handouts help sustain learning post-workshop. While depression and suicide are serious topics, this workshop is designed to be engaging, fun and uplifting. It provides an evidence-based foundation for therapist practice so you can honestly communicate positive therapy expectations to your depressed clients. Join us for this state of the art workshop that reveals a wealth of "Best Practices in CBT for Depression and Suicide."