Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy for People with Complex Needs

Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy (CFGP) provides a supportive environment where clients with complex challenges can learn and practice compassion skills together, creating the conditions necessary for exploratory group psychotherapy that is especially beneficial for those who find it difficult to trust or connect with others. It has been adapted by Dr. Kate Lucre, today’s presenter, from Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for use in a group setting. The product of Paul Gilbert, CFT integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with evolutionary psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist psychology.

In this training, Dr. Lucre introduces participants to practical techniques for engaging clients in the group process and facilitating therapeutic insights.

Toward a New Understanding of Today’s Teens and Their Mental Wellbeing

In this webinar, Dr. Dobud recounts the lessons learned in producing this book, inviting us to reconsider what we think we know about teens and mental health. He makes a compelling case: our kids face many challenges, but the way adults respond to them needs to change. Whether you’re a parent, educator, counselor, or simply someone who cares about teens, this webinar offers new perspectives and a pathway to practical strategies for supporting young people as they navigate today’s challenges.

Applying the CARE Method to Treat Those Who Have Committed Domestic Violence

In this training, Ms. Buckley introduces the CARE method and discusses its development. She emphasizes the importance of a person-centered approach to engagement, particularly in the treatment of justice-involved clients. These individuals often have histories of trauma, exhibit rigid cognitive styles, possess limited coping skills, and may struggle to trust professionals. Ms. Buckley explores these client characteristics and provides insight into how involvement with the criminal justice system can influence those characteristics.

The training then covers the CARE method in detail, addressing topics such as identifying triggers, building emotional intelligence, understanding intergenerational trauma, enhancing communication skills, and recognizing cognitive distortions. Ms. Buckley highlights the importance of relational dynamics, including health

Supervising Professionals Who Work with Domestic Violence: Ethical Considerations

n this session, Ms. Garder explores common ethical dilemmas and provides guidance for delivering effective services to those working with domestic violence survivors and those who have caused harm. She also offers skills and tools for supervising clinicians, particularly clinicians with limited experience in domestic violence. Through case examples, interactive discussion, and actionable frameworks, attendees gain insight into the challenges of balancing their desire for client safety against the reality that predicting and stopping violence is outside the clinician’s complete control.

Talking About Sex in Sexual Offense Treatment: Practical Approaches for Professionals

Traditional approaches to sexual offense treatment focus on suppressing or controlling sexual urges, but research and clinical experience now emphasize the importance of promoting healthy sexuality as part of rehabilitation. For individuals with histories of sexual offending, addressing issues such as sexual dysfunction, negative self-image, intimacy problems, and deviant sexual scripts in treatment, can decrease the risk of reoffending.

Unfortunately, many professionals experience discomfort and other challenges when discussing sexual topics with clients, leading to avoidance or negative messaging about sex and sexuality. Consequently, clients may not receive the support they need to explore their sexual interests, develop healthy sexual expression, and achieve treatment goals related to consensual and non-harmful sexuality.

This presentation, developed by Nikole Nassen, PhD, focuses on how professionals can address sexual topics with adults in sexual offense treatment.

Treatment for Overwhelmed Families Affected by Sexual Abuse

In this training, Amanda Pryor explores methods and techniques for engaging families experiencing these challenges, while also addressing the professionals’ own feelings of being overwhelmed. This includes how to carefully redefine one’s approach when previous providers have not been helpful, such as by shifting from interventions that may unintentionally target parents to more inclusive family support methods.

By better using proven engagement techniques, professionals can guide families through difficult changes and ease their feelings of being overwhelmed. The training emphasizes the use of motivational interviewing specifically to foster a supportive environment during treatment. Additionally, it offers ideas on how to effectively assist family reunification efforts at times when families are facing pressures from outside agencies, financial strain, and other challenges.