The South Southwest MHTTC just completed our Case Conceptualization for First Episode Psychosis (FEP) series! The series brought together FEP providers, including therapists, skills trainers, and team leaders, from across the south southwest region to learn about how case conceptualization can guide team-based, recovery-oriented FEP services. The series included nine sessions and covered the basics of case conceptualization and three different evidence-based approaches for case conceptualization: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P), Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia, and Compassion Focused Therapy for Psychosis.
Through didactic and experiential learning, attendees learned the foundations of these three evidence-based approaches and how they can guide team-based case conceptualization. During the first three sessions on CBT-P, led by Dr. Samantha Reznik, participants learned the key components of a CBT-P case conceptualization, practiced applying a CBT-P case conceptualization worksheet for an example case, and explored how CBT-P case conceptualization can direct recovery-oriented, team-based interventions. Dr. Amy Weisman De Mamani led three sessions on Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia, where participants learned the basics of a systems framework that helps families develop shared mutual goals and how to incorporate cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs and traditions into case conceptualization using this framework. The final sessions were led by Dr. Charlie Heriot-Maitland who introduced the Compassion Focused Therapy for Psychosis. Participants learned how to develop case conceptualizations for voice-hearing and delusional beliefs that explore the functions of these experiences, particularly in the context of interpersonal threat and trauma. Participants also learned how such case conceptualizations can be de-shaming and how to support young people in developing a compassionate self and creating cues of safeness.
The series was a huge success, with over 100 attendees, and exceptional feedback for our presenters. Most participants agreed that the event will benefit them or their community and will improve their ability to work effectively. Feedback included comments such as:
“I thought the information was presented well for case managers, therapists, and others alike. I really enjoyed the vignette practice, break room, and review. That format really seemed to help me with grasping the concepts and feeling empowered to put them into practice.”
“I enjoyed how thorough and comprehensive the material was and feel like I have a better grasp on how to help my clients.”
“I believe this will guide me in seeing the client and his environment as a whole”
“It gave me tools to use a new approach that will be very useful to the clients I serve. The presenter made it easy to understand and gave a lot of resources on how to do different parts of the intervention.”
Many attendees reported they would like to learn these therapies! Thank you to all of our presenters and attendees for making this series impactful. We hope that our attendees have learned information that they can put into practice for young people in service of recovery.
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