FULL DAY WORKSHOP

“Cognitive Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder”

Presenter: Jennifer Wild

University of Melbourne

Learn the latest in working with trauma from a world expert!

Cognitive therapy is rooted in the idea that whilst people may face gritty times, it is the meaning they make of them that matters. CT-PTSD is based on a robust cognitive model that identifies three core processes that keep the disorder going (Ehlers & Clark, 2000). The treatment aims to modify these processes through intervention that targets trauma memories, triggers, and unhelpful behaviours and thoughts. Updating painful meanings linked to the trauma memory with information that addresses relevant cognitive themes is a key part of the treatment. Cognitive themes typically relate to anger, shame, guilt, betrayal, overgeneralised danger, loss, moral injury or permanent change. CT-PTSD is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and numerous international guidelines as a first line treatment for the disorder. The treatment leads to high rates of recovery, is often described as life-changing, can be delivered in about 10 to 12 sessions and easily adapted for remote delivery during pandemic-working.

This workshop will build on Ehlers and Clark’s (2000) cognitive model of PTSD. The workshop will demonstrate how to deliver core interventions of CT-PTSD face-to-face and remotely, including how to update memories, carry out trigger discrimination and design highly effective behavioural experiments. A focus will be included on how to transform challenging cognitive themes, such as loss and permanent change, which arise after the death of a loved one or permanent injury. We will also discover how to work with trauma that the patient is likely to experience again, such as in the context of healthcare, emergency, or military work.

About this event:

The presenter will use a range of teaching methods, including slides, videos, and experiential exercises.

Key Learning Objectives

1. Use the Ehlers and Clark cognitive model to understand PTSD and develop an individual formulation for patients
2. Identify core cognitive themes and ways of working with your patients
3. Describe ways of integrating updated meanings into trauma memories
4. Describe steps in transforming images of loss and permanent change
5. Identify ways of changing responses to triggers of reexperiencing
6. Identify ways of adapting procedures to working remotely

Implications / Applications of Learning for Clinical Practice

This session is designed to allow for participation of attendees at all levels; e.g., treated one case to fully participate.

Duration & Format

This workshop has 7 hours CPD, and includes morning and afternoon teas, and lunch.

Doors open prior to the 9am start, and the expected finish is 5pm.

References – readings

1. Wild, J., Duffy, M., & Ehlers, A. (2023).  Moving forward with the loss of a loved one: Treating PTSD following traumatic bereavement.  The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.  https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X23000041
2. Wild, J., Warnock-Parkes, E., Murray, H., Kerr, A., Thew, G., Grey, N., Clark, D.M. & Ehlers, A. (2020). Treating posttraumatic stress disorder remotely with Cognitive Therapy for PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11:1, 1785818 doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1785818
3. Beierl, E., Murray, H., Wiedemann, M., Warnock-Parkes, E., Wild, J., Stott, R., Grey, N., Clark, D.M. & Ehlers, A. (2021).  The Relationship Between Working Alliance and Symptom Improvement in Cognitive Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.  Front Psychiatry, 12, 602648. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.602648
4. Ehlers, A. & Clark, D.M. (2000).  A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 319-345.
5. Ehlers, A. & Wild, J. (2021). Cognitive behavior therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder. In A. Wenzel (Ed.), Handbook of cognitive behavioral therapy: Applications (pp. 99–147). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000219-004
6. Ehlers, A. & Wild, J. (2020). Cognitive therapy for PTSD. In L. F. Bufka, C. V. Wright, & R. W. Halfond (Eds.), Casebook to the APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of PTSD (p.91-121).  American Psychological Association.  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000196-005
7. Murray, H., Wild, J., Warnock-Parkes, E., Kerr, A., Thew, G., Grey, N., Clark, D.M. & Ehlers, A. (2020). Cognitive therapy for PTSD following critical illness and intensive care unit admission. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist0, doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X2000015X

Non-members can join now and take advantage of AACBT Membership for a discounted ticket!

There are limited early bird rate tickets for full members only for this event, and please note that there are no door sales possible.

Please contact info@aacbt.org.au for more information.

COVID Safety:

Please note, the venue will be following all relevant Public Health Orders and checking delegates as per their obligations. Density, and mask requirements will be in line with relevant government guidelines. As per all events, please do not attend if you are unwell.

If you are required to cancel your attendance owing to a COVID isolation, please contact us for a full refund or ticket transfer.

Preview material of Jennifer speaking.

Images: supplied; supplied