COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT) FOR GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) - A full day workshop of theory, skills and resources for immediate application. (Melbourne)

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic disorder characterised by excessive worry, accompanied by somatic symptoms such as restlessness, sleep disturbance, muscle tension and fatigue. It is one of the most common co-morbid disorders, particularly with major depression and other anxiety disorders. GAD is also frequently associated with chronic pain conditions, medically unexplained symptoms and sleep disorders. Estimates of lifetime prevalence range between 4.0% and 7.0%.    Because of its frequently chronic course, GAD has the potential to create greater disruption in peoples' lives than other anxiety disorders. Historically, it has been less responsive to psychological treatment than other anxiety disorders, and until around 2000, studies reviewing treatment outcomes based on standard CBT interventions found limited improvements.

In the last 15 years a number of conceptual models explaining the underlying processes in GAD have emerged, based on research with GAD patients. As a result, our understanding of the disorder and the processes that underlie it has expanded.  Consequently, there has been a significant transformation in CBT treatments for GAD.  Many conventional therapies (including deep relaxation, cognitive disputing and problem solving) have given way to new, more innovative treatments. Many of these involve addressing cognitive processes rather than challenging the content of threat focused thoughts.  There is strong evidence suggesting that worry represents a coping strategy designed to avoid future unwanted events or serves to prepare the person for the worst-case scenario. A common thread linking the conceptual models is that people believe worry is a helpful process. For this reason, challenging such ‘metacognitive beliefs’ about the benefits of worry is an important component of treatment.

This workshop focuses on practical skills development, including the ability to recognise, assess and diagnose GAD, and to provide treatment based on problem formulation for specific clients.    Teaching modalities will include case studies, role-play and video demonstrations. A range of contemporary CBT strategies will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to raise examples from their own experience. In addition to workshop slides, participants will receive a number of prepared handouts for use with clients who have GAD.

Feedback from Sarah's recent presentations of this training:

“Sarah is a very experienced and competent facilitator who knows her material well. She is able to clearly convey this and I greatly valued her clear communication, knowledge, experience and professionalism. I got so much from today including amazing resources to use right away.”

“I really appreciated the mini summaries Sarah did throughout the day – helpful for consolidating learning. Loved the perfect mix of theory and prac. A perfect training day really!”

“The demonstrations are great – so much more engaging than didactic presentation of material. Also really liked use of real worries of our own rather than examples – made it more experiential and engaging. Sarah is friendly, professional, and well prepared. Thank you Sarah!

"Thank you. Sarah's presentation was very helpful. Lots of clear information, great resources and good demonstrations of how to apply techniques."

"Yet another highly professional PD from PDP. Sarah is so experienced and imparted knowledge, skill and resources. I gained so much for my practice. Please have her present more topics for PDP!"

"I learned great practical skills to apply in my practice!”

"Very informative, very useful, excellent."

"A very professional presentation - plain language, useful, up to date. Talented and knowledgeable presenter."

"Sarah gave clear examples to relate to the topic, engaged the audience well. Great day and great venue."

"Sarah is a wonderfully engaging and knowledgeable presenter and the topic CBT for GAD was a great update for me."

"Relevant and skill enhancing! Thank you!"

"Great course, great presenter, good food and over-all an enjoyable day."

"Engaging, informative and very well presenter. I feel empowered!"

" Well rounded presentation like a 3-course meal! Good balance of theory and practice."

"Another excellent PDP presentation! Many thanks for having Sarah as a presenter. Is it possible for Sarah to present other topics as she is such a brilliant and clever presenter!"