Creating systematic desensitization protocols for clients with phobia, trauma, and eating disorders
Presenter(s)
Michelle Scott
Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
This workshop will provide occupational therapists the skills and knowledge to effectively use exposure therapy and systematic desensitization therapy with clients with phobia, trauma, and eating disorders. Psychoeducation around the avoidance-anxiety cycle and why exposure is important will be discussed. Motivational interviewing strategies for clients will be reviewed, along with connecting to client values and basic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches to managing destructive thinking that is creating a barrier to occupational participation. You will learn about basic nervous system downregulation strategies for managing anxiety grading challenges and fading support, as well as how to create a systematic desensitization protocol. Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist educators, occupational therapist assistants, students in occupational therapy programs, and students in OTA/PTA programs who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in using exposure therapy and systemic desensitization with clients who are experiencing avoidance-related anxiety, such as phobia, trauma or eating disorders, that is creating a barrier to occupational participation. Peer support workers and other mental health professionals are also welcome to attend.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Explain what exposure therapy and systematic desensitization therapy are, for which client base they can be used, and why they can be effective. Deliver basic psychoeducation around the avoidance-anxiety cycle. Use basic motivational interviewing strategies to help clients connect to their values and engage in therapy. Help clients with basic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies for managing destructive thinking that is creating a barrier to occupational participation. Help clients use basic nervous system downregulation and relaxation strategies for managing anxiety. Use elements of fading and grading in a systematic desensitization protocol. Create a systematic desensitization protocol for an avoidance-anxiety based client issue, such as eating disorders, trauma, or phobia.