This workshop will explore the current call for evidence-based treatment (EBT) and evidence-based practice in psychotherapy and related fields. The perspectives of different key stakeholders– patients, therapists, government policymakers, corporate payors – will be elucidated, as will attempts to build bridges between these varied constituencies.

Evidence-based practice is often conceptualized as being built on a tripartite foundation: a research base, clinician expertise, and patient values/preferences. However, sometimes these foundations are reduced simply to research, ignoring the other two essential aspects. The arguments for the importance of psychotherapy research will be presented while the current state of research on psychotherapy will be examined to determine whether it is strong enough to support practice.

Special attention will be devoted to the strengths and weaknesses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) which are often viewed as the gold standard for studying psychotherapy. The importance of RCTs as the only research methodology that allows unambiguous assignment will be explained while weaknesses in current applications of this methodology to psychotherapy will be explicated. Alternative research methodologies for the study of psychotherapy outcomes and processes will also be described, also with emphasis on their strengths and weaknesses. These ideas will then be examined as they apply to the American Psychological Association’s current Clinical Practice Guidelines and to psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Finally, we will discuss the state of relations between researchers and practitioners in mental health. Different models of these relations will be described concluding with the presenter’s concept of a researcher-practitioner alliance.

Learning Objectives:

1. – Attendees will be able to describe the perspectives of different stakeholders in the push toward evidence-based treatment.

2. – Attendees will be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of randomized controlled trials as they are currently used in studying psychotherapies.

3. – Attendees will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different models of the relationship between researchers and clinician-practitioners.

Stephen Soldz, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, social activist, and research methodologist. He is a Professor at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and has taught at several other universities in the Boston area. One theme of Dr. Soldz's professional work has been the building of bridges between psychological researchers and practitioners. He coedited (with Leigh McCullough) Reconciling Empirical Knowledge and Clinical Experience: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy (APA Books, 2000). Dr. Soldz is currently a Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) representative to the American Psychological Association Council. He is a past president of Psychologists for Social Responsibility, a cofounder of the Coalition for an Ethical Psychology, and an Adviser to Physicians for Human Rights. His social justice work has been featured in media from the New York Times and National Public Radio to radio in South Africa, Jamaica, Switzerland, Ireland, New Zealand, among many others.

CONTINUING EDUCATION POLICIES

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of your registration with full refund can be done up to 7 days before the event. Simply send an email requesting to cancel to office@privatepracticecolloquium.com

Accommodations for the Differently Abled

Commonwealth Educational Seminars' training facilities are handicap accessible. Individuals needing special accommodations, please contact the Private Practice Colloquium office@privatepracticecolloquium.com

Grievance Policy

The Private Practice Colloquium, Inc. (PPC) and Commonwealth Educational Seminars (CES) seek to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to PPC, 564 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 or to CES, 1020 Osterville West Barnstable Rd, Marstons Mills, MA 02648. Grievances will initially be directed to the training instructor. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems. If you have questions or concerns, contact PPC at (978) 741-8066 or Commonwealth Educational Seminars at (800) 376-3345.

Continuing education credit is awarded by Commonwealth Educational Seminars for the following disciplines:

Social Workers:

Commonwealth Educational Seminars (CES) is entitled to award continuing education credit for Social Workers. Please visit CES CE CREDIT to see all states that are covered for Social Workers. CES maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Social Workers completing this program will receive 3.0 clinical hours of clinical continuing education credit.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors:

Commonwealth Educational Seminars (CES) is entitled to award continuing education credit for Licensed Professional Counselors/Licensed Mental Health Counselors. Please visit CES CE CREDIT to see all states that are covered for LPCs/LMHCs. CES maintains responsibility for this program and its content. LPCs/LMHCs completing this program will receive 3.0 hours of continuing education credit.

Psychologists:

Commonwealth Educational Seminars is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists. Commonwealth Educational Seminars maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Psychologists receive 3.0 hours of continuing education credit upon completing this program.

Nurses:

As an American Psychological Association approved provider, CES programs are accepted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Every state Board of Nursing accepts ANCC approved programs except California and Iowa, however CES is also an approved Continuing Education provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, (Provider Number CEP15567) which is also accepted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Nurses completing this program receive 3.0 CE hours of credit. Please provide us with any promotional materials, online and/or hard copy brochures/flyers which have the above required statements.  Please provide us with your evaluations and/or an evaluation summary.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists: