Title: Contemporary Problem-Solving Therapy: A Transdiagnostic and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
Level: Basic
Presenters:
Christine Maguth Nezu, Ph.D., ABPP, Drexel University
Arthur M. Nezu, Ph.D., ABPP, Drexel University
Abstract:
Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is an evidence-based system of psychotherapy that is based on research
demonstrating the mediating and moderating role of social problem solving (SPS) regarding stress and
psychopathology. SPS is the process whereby people direct their coping efforts at altering the
problematic nature of stressful events, their negative reactions to such occurrences (i.e., emotional
dysregulation), or both. If one’s problem-solving attempts are unsuccessful or ineffective, significant
negative emotional reactions are likely to occur. Stressful events may be experienced as a single
traumatic episode, chronic stressors or problems, or high sensitivity to life stressors associated with
early negative life experiences. The overarching treatment goals of PST are to foster adoption of
emotion-regulation skills and adaptive problem-solving attitudes and behaviors as a means of effectively
minimizing the negative effects of stressful events. More specifically, PST is geared to increase optimism,
improve emotional regulation, increase resilience, and foster successful coping with ongoing stressors.
Several meta-analytic reviews of the PST outcome literature strongly support its efficacy for the
treatment of a wide range of emotional disorders across ages and clinical populations. This clinical
training incorporates recent updates to PST based on advances in understanding the neurobiological
substrates of the relationship among emotional, cognitive, and behavioral pathways of learning that are
incorporated in this approach. This includes the role of nonconscious conditioned emotional reactivity
and information processing. Therapy targets include the mindful attunement to one’s inner experience,
as well as specific emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skill development. This transdiagnostic approach
has a strong evidence base regarding successful treatment for multiple clinical populations. Training
materials will be provided and clinical training is designed to be experiential using role-plays and clinical
demonstrations.
You Will Learn:
1. To identify the prescriptive applications for Contemporary PST to clinical problems.
2. The theoretical model upon which Contemporary PST is based.
3. Four major barriers to effective problem solving when under stress.
Recommended Readings:
Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., & D’Zurilla, T. J. (2013). Problem-solving therapy: A treatment manual. New
York: Springer.
Tenhula, W., Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., Stewart, S., Miller, Steele, C., & Karlin, B. (in press). Moving
forward: A problem-solving training program to foster Veteran resilience. Professional Psychology:
Research & Practice.
Title: A Day of Mindful Practice to Enhance Your Clinical Practice
Level: Basic to Moderate
Presenters:
Zindel V. Segal, Ph.D., University of Toronto - Scarborough
Abstract:
As a general operating principle, mindfulness-based clinical interventions require a capacity for selfobservation, usually gained through sustained meditative practice, that informs a therapist’s work with
his or her clients. This day of mindful practice is intended as an introduction to the formal and
systematic practice of mindfulness of the body, the breath, thoughts, and emotions—the same foci of
experience that clients are asked to attend to when learning how to regulate difficult affects. Conducted
as a mini-retreat, the day will feature periods of silence with alternating sitting meditation, mindful
walking, and mindful movement, structured to enable participants to experience the cumulative effects
of back-to-back practice. The final portion of the day will be devoted to guided inquiry and discussion so
that participants can integrate their experiential learning with the particular treatment model that
defines their clinical practice.
You Will Learn:
1. The difference between two types of attentional focus—concentrated attention and open monitoring.
2. How to respond to obstacles such as boredom, fatigue, or skepticism that often accompany the
practice of mindfulness.
3. How to recognize the desire for special states or experiences that one hopes to achieve through this
practice.
Recommended Readings:
Escuriex, B. & Labbé, E (2011). Health care providers’ mindfulness and treatment outcomes: A Critical
review of the research literature. Mindfulness, 2, 242-253.
Grepmair L., Mitterlehner F., Loew T., Bachler E., Rother W., & Nickel M. (2007). Promoting mindfulness
in psychotherapists in training influences the treatment results of their patients: A randomized, doubleblind, controlled study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 76, 332-338.
Teasdale, J.D., Williams, J.M.G., & Segal, Z.V. (2014). The mindful way workbook: An 8 week program to
free yourself from depression and emotional distress. New York: Guilford Press.
Williams, J.M.G., Teasdale, J.D., Segal, Z.V., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2007). The mindful way through
depression. New York: Guilford Press.
Dr. Segal recently presented a TEDx talk on "The Mindful Way Through Depression," which can be
viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A4w3W94ygA.