full day workshop

TREATING VICTIMS OF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULT: AN IMAGERY-BASED CBT APPROACH TO TRAUMA AND PTSD
Mervin Smucker, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA

AC Hotel Room: Gracia

Consistent with Beck's cognitive therapy model which views images as cognitions (to be activated, challenged, and modified), the use of imagery-based interventions are being increasingly used in CBT to alleviate PTSD symptoms and modify trauma-related beliefs and schemas.  In this workshop, Imagery Rescripting and Reprocessing Therapy (IRRT) is presented as an imagery-based, trauma-processing, CBT approach that blends visual and verbal interventions to: (1) transform traumatic imagery into narrative language, (2) replace victimization imagery with mastery/coping imagery, (3) facilitates emotional self-regulation via self-calming and self-soothing imagery, and (4) modifies traumagenic beliefs and schemas.  Instructional videos, case examples, lecture and discussion will be used to demonstrate how the combination of imaginal exposure, mastery imagery, and self-nurturing imagery (along with secondary cognitive processing and schema modification) can be used to alleviate PTSD symptoms, modify trauma-related beliefs and schemas, and develop an enhanced capacity to self-nurture and self-calm.  In this workshop, Dr. Smucker will also discuss the merits of using a case formulation, algorithmic treatment approach to trauma and PTSD and how critical assessment information about the client's specific trauma characteristics may be used for effective treatment planning -- including differentiating between Type I and Type II traumas, how to decide when to begin with trauma-processing vs. stabilization interventions, and how to adapt CBT interventions when the predominant PTSD emotion is other than fear (such as guilt, shame, anger).

Prof. Mervin R. Smucker, Ph.D. is Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he is involved in trauma research.  He previously worked and trained with Professor Aaron Beck for 6 years at University of Pennsylvania.  Recognized for his creative and innovative applications of imagery in CBT, Prof. Smucker is a skilled trainer, clinician, and researcher who meaningfully integrates theory and research with clinical practice.  He has conducted many trauma training seminars internationally and is a frequent presenter at WCBCT and EABCT Congresses.  He has authored many scholarly articles and several books on trauma and imagery, and recently developed a new PTSD algorithm treatment model.

Key References:
Smucker, M.R., & Weis, J. (2005). Imagery applications in cognitive behavioral therapy.  In A. Freeman, S. Felgoise, C. Nezu, A. Nezu, & M. Reinecke (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  New York: Kluwer. 
Smucker, M.R., Grunert, B.K., Weis, J.M. (2003). Overcoming roadblocks in cognitive-behavior therapy with PTSD: A new algorithm model. In R.L. Leahy (Ed.), Overcoming roadblocks in cognitive behavioral therapy (pp. 175-194). New York: Guilford Publications. 
Smucker, M.R., Dancu, C.V., Foa, E.B., & Niederee, J. (2002). Imagery Rescripting: A new treatment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse suffering from posttraumatic stress. In Clinical Advances in Cognitive Psychotherapy: Theory and Application, 294-310, Eds. R.L. Leahy & E.T. Dowd.  New York, NY: Springer Publishing.