Workshop Description:
Many clinicians feel compelled, either personally or by their agencies, to gain mastery over a single treatment paradigm, often investing a tremendous amount of time, effort, and money to gain advanced certification in a specific model. In this workshop we will explore the importance of maintaining an integrative approach to treatment, recognizing that all paradigms have their limitations, and don't serve all clients equally well. We will explore how to weave the strengths of different models into the work, often within a single session. We will also connect this idea to the emphasis that our Code of Ethics places on issues including: cultural sensitivity; duty to inform; competence; and standards for best practices.
Participants will be invited to identity the predominant model that they lead from and then they will be given the opportunity to process cases with colleagues, incorporating additional paradigms into the treatment plan. We will explore the benefits of integrating left and right-brain treatment modalities including but not limited to: cognitive-behavioral therapy, IFS, psychodynamic, attachment theory, using art modalities therapeutically, working with somatic interventions, inner child work, journaling, incorporating music, client-centered therapy, traditional talk therapy, Imago, etc. We will also discuss how to shift gears in session when one model doesn't work, and the therapist recognizes the need to introduce a different approach. These issues will be relevant to individual, couples, or family therapy with a diverse range of client populations and presenting problems.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the “baker versus cook” analogy and its relevance to a more integrative and less formulaic approach to therapy.
2. Identify at least three reasons why therapists become wedded to a singular model of practice.
3. Describe the legal and ethical obligations of the “duty to inform,” to practice from “competence” and with “cultural sensitivity” and how they impact the treatment modalities that are used in session.
4. Describe the benefits of incorporating both left and right-brain treatment modalities into the therapy process.
5. Staff several clinical case scenarios, describe and implement at least three diverse treatment paradigms to bring a more integrative approach to sessions.
6. Implement strategies that allow for a smooth transition when shifting paradigms within a session.