Drawing from the literature on the therapeutic relationship, including the concept of “empathic confrontation” (from Schema Therapy), this webinar will present methods for managing delicate, challenging conversations with clients. Examples of such conversations include:

(1) discussing differences of opinion about the client’s diagnosis and/or targets for therapeutic change,

(2) setting limits with clients who are engaging in therapy-interfering behaviors,

(3) addressing ruptures in the therapeutic relationship,

(4) needing to give clients a “reality check” when their views and resultant behaviors are hazardously off the mark, and

(5) navigating sensitive cultural matters.

Having difficult, sensitive conversations with clients starts with the therapist’s recognition that giving the clients such feedback is necessary, along with a willingness to engage even though it may be uncomfortable. This process is further assisted when therapists are good listeners who can accurately summarize their client’s viewpoints as a prelude to expressing their own contrasting viewpoints. Therapists have to make decisions regarding “if and when” to engage in the challenging conversation and seeking a middle ground between avoiding the conversation entirely versus rushing in impulsively. The process of having difficult conversations with clients is furthered when therapists possess a repertoire of tactful statements demonstrating good will. Therapists also benefit from adopting an optimistic outlook about interpersonal problem-solving, and from having sufficient self-awareness to refrain from contributing to escalating power struggles. Clinical vignettes will be presented to demonstrate these skills in maximizing the chances that a difficult conversation with a client will have a constructive result.

CE Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Adopt a positive mindset that looks at a difficult conversation with a client as an opportunity to improve a situation, and that takes pride in trying to prevent or repair an  interpersonal relational strain.
   
2. Express opinions that have both validity and utility, while having the patience and awareness to refrain from expressing opinions that are lacking in these qualities.

3. Practice the skill of empathic confrontation.

4. Utilize well-attuned listening skills to assist in eliciting maximum collaboration in the midst of an otherwise tense or awkward conversation.

About Presenter

Cory F. Newman, Ph.D., ABPP is Director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy and Professor of Psychology, in Psychiatry, at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Newman is a Fellow of ABCT, he was the recipient of ABCT’s Outstanding Clinician Award in 2019, and he was presented with the Excellence in Teaching by a Psychologist award by the University of Pennsylvania psychiatry residency program in 2024. Dr. Newman has extensive experience as a CBT therapist and supervisor at the University of Pennsylvania and through the Beck Institute’s international training programs. Dr. Newman is a global lecturer, having presented CBT workshops and seminars throughout the U.S., as well as in twenty-three other countries. Among these are invited lectures on subjects related to the therapeutic relationship at conferences of the ABCT, BABCP, EABCT, ICCP, and WCBCT. Dr. Newman is author of over 100 articles and chapters covering many CBT-related topics, including navigating the therapeutic relationship, and he has authored or co-authored six books.

Target Audience

This workshop is designed for licensed professionals & advanced graduate students with clinical experience who anticipate seeking licensure as mental health professionals. The instructional level of this presentation is INTERMEDIATE.

Continuing Education

• Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• This program provides two (2) hours of CE credits.
• * PBTA offers CE to licensed psychologists licensed in the state of New York. Attestation of full attendance and provision of license number post-event required to obtain certificate that meets NY criteria for CE.
  
• PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Non-psychologist licensees in other states should confirm with their respective boards if this meets criteria for CE in their specific non-PA states.
  
• Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants have the option to log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
  

Zoom video link will be sent to participants 48 hours before the event contingent upon membership being paid in full if membership rate was selected. NOTE: New membership period begins 2/1 of each calendar year. Enrollment for non-members is automatically cancelled if registration fee is not paid within 15 minutes of registration. Past members who have not renewed membership will not be eligible for no-cost CE credits.

Recommended Readings

Bennett‐Levy, J., & Finlay‐Jones, A. (2022). The role of personal practice in therapist skill development: A model to guide therapists, educators, supervisors and researchers. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(3), 185-205. 

Chajmovic, M. L., & Tishby, O. (2023). Therapists' responsiveness in the process of ruptures and resolutions: Are patients and therapists on the same page? Psychotherapy Research, 35(1), 42-53. 

Eubanks, C. F. (2022). Rupture repair. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(3), 554-559. 

Newman, C.F. (in press). The therapeutic alliance in the treatment of patients with alcohol  and other substance use disorders. Current Addiction Reports.