Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy

These classes are designed for people with emetophobia and their support people. This is part 2 of our 3 part series where we talk about the details of exposure, working up a hierarchy, and eliminating safety behaviors.

Check out all of our emetophobia resources on our Emetophobia Institute website https://www.centerabt.com/the-emetophobia-institute

📣 NEW START DATE 📣

We're excited to announce our 12-Week Introductory Group to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD and Anxiety, led by psychologist Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D., will be starting again in the Fall!

📅 Start Date: September 25th, 2024
🕠 Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.
🌍 Format: Virtual - Join from Anywhere (currently accepting patients from PA, NJ, DE, and MD).
💰 Cost: $600 (Billed $50 weekly)

Who should join?
If you or someone you know is battling with the intricacies of OCD or anxiety, despite making strides in therapy, this group offers a supplementary path to understanding and managing these challenges more effectively. This group is aimed at individuals who have seen progress but are still confronting challenges such as mental compulsions, self-reassurance difficulties, and navigating life beyond OCD or anxiety. Through focusing on acceptance, letting go of control, and aligning with personal values, our goal is to empower participants to build the life they aspire to live.

Interested?
Please contact Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D. at [email protected] to learn more!

📣 New blog post! 📣

In our latest blog, Dr. Evan Vida, Psy.D., discusses the concept of "Intolerance of Uncertainty" and how it relates to anxiety and psychological well-being.

Read it here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/7/31/understanding-intolerance-of-uncertainty-in-generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad

We love conferencing!! Drs. Steve Tsao and Christina DiChiara at the International OCD Foundation Conference in Orlando this weekend

Did you catch Steve’s panel about suicidal obsessions vs suicidal ideation??

We're going to International OCD Foundation's this week!

CABT is excited to take part in this annual conference to learn more about OCD and help others in the process. Join CABT's co-founder Steven Tsao, Ph.D., as he discusses suicidal OCD with Meryl Gibbel and Jesse Birnbaum (description below). We hope to see you there! Let us know if you will be attending and would like to connect!

"Suicidal OCD is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts about su***de and compulsions centered on increasing certainty around safety from these thoughts. This OCD subtype is under-represented, often misunderstood, and mistaken for suicidal ideation by those suffering with this subtype, their loved ones, and even their mental health providers. Two psychologists – one in recovery with Suicidal OCD and one specializing in the treatment of OCD - will candidly discuss: overcoming barriers to accessing proper treatment; implementing ERP for Suicidal OCD; addressing stuck-points in treatment; catching difficult-to-spot compulsions; the benefits of incorporating humor, self-compassion, and ACT into the treatment process; being in therapy as a mental health provider; and paint a realistic picture of recovery post-ERP with tips for maintaining recovery."

We're excited to announce our 12-Week Introductory Group to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD and Anxiety, led by psychologist Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D., will be starting again in the Fall!

📅 Start Date: September 18th, 2024
🕠 Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.
🌍 Format: Virtual - Join from Anywhere (currently accepting patients from PA, NJ, DE, and MD).
💰 Cost: $600 (Billed $50 weekly)

Who should join?
If you or someone you know is battling with the intricacies of OCD or anxiety, despite making strides in therapy, this group offers a supplementary path to understanding and managing these challenges more effectively. This group is aimed at individuals who have seen progress but are still confronting challenges such as mental compulsions, self-reassurance difficulties, and navigating life beyond OCD or anxiety. Through focusing on acceptance, letting go of control, and aligning with personal values, our goal is to empower participants to build the life they aspire to live.

Interested?
Please contact Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D. at [email protected] to learn more!

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and our latest blog by trauma expert Dr. Christina DiChiara, PsyD, highlights the important distinction between trauma exposure and PTSD. Dr. DiChiara explains how both arise from life-threatening events, but have distinct manifestations and implications. Her blog explores the nuanced differences between trauma exposure and PTSD and discusses how recognizing this distinction can enhance recovery efforts. Join us in raising awareness and supporting those impacted by trauma and PTSD!

Read the blog here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/6/6/unveiling-the-divide-trauma-exposure-and-ptsd-as-distinct-entities

Join us to honor PTSD awareness month and learn more about the most well researched treatment for PTSD!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our latest blog post features personal stories from CABT staff, showing how they use therapy skills in their own lives to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. From mindfulness to radical acceptance, learn practical tips and strategies directly from our therapists. This blog includes more in-depth information about each skill used. Click the link to read the full blog and get inspired to apply these techniques in your own life!

Read here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/5/29/mdnwy0j4m4s8rf70fsmwm2sbz8opl8

Last but not least of our "Do therapists practice what they preach" series!

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Anna Thompson, MS, who discusses embracing uncertainty:

"Life is full of uncertainty. As a grad student, I often face uncertainty such as grades, clinical experiences, and my future. I practice what I preach to my clients. I acknowledge that life is full of uncertainty and I accept variability in the things that I can not control; however, I choose to live based on my values for things that are within my control. Fun Fact: I started at CABT as a volunteer, originally looking for a practicum site during my Master's degree. I decided to add another commitment to my day, to live by my values, regardless of the uncertainty of what I would gain from the experience or the time constraints it may have on my day. Regardless of the day-to-day uncertainties, I made a decision based on my values, which paid off! I find that the act of accepting uncertainty takes a lot of practice, but I appreciate the outlook it allows me to have on life."

Tomorrow, we will be sharing a blog post that summarizes these posts and provides helpful insights into the skills discussed in this series. Stay tuned!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Dr. Shannon Murphy, Ph.D., who discusses radical acceptance:

"My dog is old and stubborn and generally does not love walking on leash. This means that our daily walks quickly devolve into a tug of war, in which I'm frustratedly pulling her along as she resists my every move. On my better days, I use these walks as an opportunity to practice radical acceptance - I stop fighting with her, allow her to be exactly as she is, and let the walk take the time that it takes."

Look out for more coming soon!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Dr. Evan Vida, Psy.D., who discusses mindfulness and gratitude:

"I use my morning coffee routine as an opportunity to practice of mindfulness and gratitude. The process of creating a perfect shot of espresso and steaming milk for a latte is an opportunity to fully participate in an activity one-mindfully. Practicing this helps me not bring future or past pain into the present and focus solely on what is in front of me. I can then enjoy and appreciate my latte one-mindfully before getting started with my day."

Stay tuned for more insights starting next week!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Dr. Christina DiChiara, Psy.D., who discusses how she uses mindfulness practices and nature to change her perspective:

"The best way for me to take care of my stress and manage my mood is to make sure I’m spending time in nature. During a long day in front of the computer, I always make sure to sit in my garden or walk in the woods for 10-15 minutes. I don’t take my phone, and make an effort to use the sights, sounds, and smells around me in nature to get me out of my head, soothe my stress, and shift my perspective by reminding me that there is a big world out there!"

We have a few more insights to share this week into next! Stay tuned!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Dr. Steven Tsao, Ph.D., who discusses self-validation and acceptance:

"Life is stressful. For all of us. Even us psychologists. When I'm stressed, I try (and sometimes even succeed!) to open myself up to that feeling, reminding myself that it's part of being alive, and connecting to the world of people who may also feel stressed at that very same moment."

We have a few more insights to share for the rest of the month. Stay tuned for more!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. Next up is Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D., who discusses how she practices accepting discomfort:

"Going to early morning yoga classes is a way that I practice accepting discomfort in order to live in line with what I value. Voluntarily getting up before sunrise is always difficult, and each time my mind says "No! Just stay in bed." I remind myself that my thoughts are just thoughts - I have a choice whether or not to listen to them - and that the sense of ease in my body and calm in my mind after yoga is worth the short-term discomfort of an early wakeup."

Stay tuned for more therapy skills in action!

Do therapists practice what they preach?

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked CABT therapists to discuss how they use therapy skills in their own lives to help manage stress and live a valued life. Each day we'll highlight a new therapist and share some of their insights. First up is Dr. Caroline Haimm, PhD, who describes how she uses the powerful technique of exposure:

"As an exposure therapist, I frequently ask my clients to try extremely difficult challenges, and I have been so struck by their bravery and grit. As a result, I began to practice small exposures to anxiety and discomfort myself. Most recently, this has been in the form of playing (somewhat) competitive tennis. I have always been fearful of failing and disappointing others. Playing on a club tennis team allows me to face both of these fears head on. Thus far, I have lost more matches than I have won, but as of yet, I have only experienced disconfirmation of my fears - no one on my team has made me feel bad about my playing, and I’ve survived the losses. And, as I continue to push myself, I enjoy many benefits - good exercise, an opportunity to socialize with a warm and interesting group of women, and the chance to build my resilience and confidence to try new things!"

Stay tuned the rest of the week for more insights!

Last Call!!! Join us this Friday to learn effective strategies for treating this debilitating fear of vomit.

We're back with another blog! Spring into mental health with Dr. Christina DiChiara Psy.D.'s latest post at the Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy! Discover ways to embrace renewal this season through nature, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Check it out here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/4/24/personal-spring-cleaning-renewing-your-focus-on-mental-health-and-wellness

LAST CALL!

CABT's "Understand and Cure Your Emetophobia" workshop will begin this Friday, April 26th at 12-2pm EST. This is a 2-hour workshop for those with emetophobia and/or their loved ones led by CABT's own Dr. David Yusko and his (formerly) emetophobic client Dara Lovitz!
Cost: $25

Learn more here: https://www.centerabt.com/the-emetophobia-institute

Another successful in the books! We had a wonderful time presenting, connecting, and learning with our colleagues! We can't wait till next year's conference. Check out some snapshots of the CABT crew in Boston!

Not sure how to help a loved one with anxiety? Dr. Evan Vida, Psy.D. breaks it down in our latest blog. He shares easy tips on what helps and what doesn't, making supporting your family a bit simpler.

Read here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/3/26/how-to-help-a-loved-one-with-anxiety-navigating-family-involvement-and-accommodation

Do you need more support in working with OCD clients? Are you looking for a small cohort of ERP providers to share expert case consultation with?

The CABT ERP consultation program is appropriate for licensed mental health providers who have previously completed a foundational training in Exposure and Response Prevention. Our ERP Group Consultation provides an opportunity for intensive case consultation, development of skillful ERP implementation, and a deeper connection with our community of ERP providers. Participant slots are limited to ensure ample time for everyone's consultation questions each week, so get your spot while they're still available!

Our upcoming ERP Consultation Group will include:
✅ 6 consultation group sessions bi-weekly over 12 weeks
✅ Closed cohort of participants to ensure enough time for all
✅ A separate, cohort-only Google Group to facilitate advanced case discussions

Consultation Group Schedule
Wednesdays at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every 2 weeks on Wed, 6 occurrence(s)
Apr 10, 2024 01:00 PM
Apr 24, 2024 01:00 PM
May 8, 2024 01:00 PM
May 22, 2024 01:00 PM
Jun 5, 2024 01:00 PM
Jun 19, 2024 01:00 PM

Consultation fee: $450 for program registration

Learn more and register here: https://www.centerabt.com/erp-group-consultation

Looking for your next CEU event? Interested in learning more about treating PTSD? Join us in learning about one of, if not the most, researched and evidenced based psychotherapy for any mental health concern - Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD.

We're back with more exciting training opportunities, delivered by the experts here at CABT! Check out the calendar for a snapshot of our upcoming workshops! Interested in learning more? Check out our workshop page at: https://www.centerabt.com/cabt-workshops

We look forward to seeing you there!

NEW START DATE - March 13

There is still time to join for those interested in our ACT for OCD and Anxiety group! See details below👇

We're excited to introduce an opportunity for individuals facing OCD and anxiety: a 12-Week Introductory Group to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD and Anxiety, led by psychologist Dr. Catherine Schuler, Psy.D.

📅 Start Date: March 13, 2024
🕠 Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.
🌍 Format: Virtual - Join from Anywhere (currently accepting patients from PA, NJ, DE, and MD).
💰 Cost: $600 (Billed $50 weekly)

Who should join?
If you or someone you know is battling with the intricacies of OCD or anxiety, despite making strides in therapy, this group offers a supplementary path to understanding and managing these challenges more effectively. This group is aimed at individuals who have seen progress but are still confronting challenges such as mental compulsions, self-reassurance difficulties, and navigating life beyond OCD or anxiety. Through focusing on acceptance, letting go of control, and aligning with personal values, our goal is to empower participants to build the life they aspire to live.

Interested?
Please contact Dr. Catherine Schuler at [email protected] to learn more!

🔦 Workshop Spotlight 🔦

Elevate your clinical expertise with our 2-day immersive training in
Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)!

When: June 17-18, 2024 - 9:00am-5:00pm EST

This training is a comprehensive immersion into the step-by-step guide to delivering PE for PTSD, including rationale delivery, hierarchy construction, and procedure for revisiting and processing traumatic memories. Use of case examples, interactive components (including role-plays), and videos will help deepen your understanding and confidence in your PE delivery skills.

Learn more and sign up here: https://www.centerabt.com/virtual-pe-workshop

🌟 Recent Highlights from the GPACA Trauma Conference 🌟

We're proud to spotlight Dr. Christina DiChiara, Psy.D. and Dr. Evan Vida, Psy.D. for their contributions at the GPACA Trauma conference this weekend. Together, they delivered a presentation titled "Recovery on the Frontlines: Taking PTSD Treatment from Research into Community Mental Health," offering insights into translating research findings into practical community care.

Dr. DiChiara additionally delivered a presentation "How We Heal from Trauma: Shared Lessons from the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treating PTSD," further enhancing our understanding of trauma recovery.

Thank you to the Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association for hosting a wonderful conference!

If the thought of starting cognitive behavioral therapy feels overwhelming, this blog, written by Dr. Evan Vida Psy.D., is for you. Dr. Vida breaks down everything from preparation to what discussions you'll dive into during your initial visit. Let's demystify the therapy process!

Read here: https://www.centerabt.com/blog/2024/2/2/demystifying-therapy-what-should-i-expect-for-my-first-cbt-session