Outline

DAY 1

Defining anxiety in its many and varied presentations

• Recognising anxiety across the lifespan
• Reviewing the DSM5 diagnostic criteria
• Common features and symptoms of anxiety

Distinguishing ‘Anxiety’ from ‘Fear’

Differential diagnoses / Seeking Medical assistance / Referral

Recognising co-morbid psychological disorders

Living with anxiety

Aspects of anxiety treatments

Cognitive model of anxiety

Safety behaviours

Worry in anxiety

Intrusive thoughts

Steps in treatment 

• Assessment & Assessment Instruments
• Case Conceptualisation
• Psychoeducation

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DAY 2

Developing client awareness, teaching cognitive skills, and treating behaviours

• Identifying what is the real problem
• Identifying and understanding triggers
• Addressing avoidance
• Addressing safety behaviours
• Negative and catastrophic thinking
• Cognitive errors and erroneous beliefs
• Perfectionism and procrastination
• Assurance-seeking
• Worry management and rumination
• Memory reconsolidation
• Motivation to change
• Exposure experiences
• Use of imagery

Metacognitive Awareness

• Processing the ‘Rational’ versus the ‘Emotional’
• Understanding and changing ‘Self-Talk’ 

Challenging Metacognitive Beliefs

• Identifying metacognitive beliefs
• Exploring and addressing metacognitive beliefs
• Negative metacognitive beliefs
• How to challenge metacognitive beliefs

Exploring the Self as worry-free

• Values and goal setting

Mindfulness Interventions

• Evidence and benefits
• Mindfulness-based interventions
• Mindfulness without meditation
• Detached Mindfulness
• Applied Relaxation
• Yoga

Medications for Anxiety

Online resources and books

Objectives

1. Recognise and assess anxiety using valuable assessment instruments
2. Make a clear case conceptualisation for each client
3. Appropriately share the most current and helpful psychoeducation with your clients
4. Help clients recognise and manage their triggers
5. Skilfully address worry, avoidance, safety behaviours, and negative self-talk
6. Identify and address erroneous and unhelpful metacognitive beliefs
7. Use exposure therapy in meaningful, successful ways