Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association upcoming events

Brief Mindfulness- & Compassion- Based CBT (MC-CBT) 4-session training for Cueing Adaptive Automaticity (05/09/2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Those with high levels of distress, stress, trauma histories, and / or insecure attachment histories can encounter challenges with the traditional 8-week Mindfulness-Based Programs (MBPs) as a starting point. The longer silent practices and inquiry periods of MBPs may evoke impatience; disconnection; brooding, worry, & other forms of perseverative thinking; and self-criticism in some that may interfere with beneficial outcomes. Similar to how MBCT creators anticipated such challenges (i.e., presence of suicidality & ruminative brooding), Molnar (2014, 2018) has integrated parallel adaptations for those with high levels of anxiety, OCD, and trauma-aftermath.

Mindfulness- and Compassion-based CBT (MC-CBT) integrates tools from several areas of inquiry to adapt longer MBPs such as MBCT and MBSR to the needs of those with high levels of anxiety, fear, perseverative cognition, and physiology that may reach panic attack levels and occur in transdiagnostic conditions. Principles and practices derived from CBT, functional neuroscience, Interpersonal Emotional Processing (IEP), Buddhist and Social Psychology are adapted with traditional but briefer practices of MBCT and MBSR to support health of mind, body, and behaviors in MC-CBT (see EBP article by Molnar & Molnar, 2014: META for GAD).

In MC-CBT participants practice breaking down unpleasant emotion states into elements consistent with a functional / 3 systems model of emotion. The elements of emotion are referred to as the 3 'B's of belief, body, and behavior. These mental, physical, and action tendency elements serve as intentional cues for covert and overt compassionate responding. Such responding, with practice of strategies such as Self-Controlled Coping (SCD) and Mental Contrasting & Implementation Intentions (MCII), can support automatic adaptive responding (Oettingen & Gollwitzer, 2017). With practice, such adaptivity or competence is marked by a friendly and assertive relationship with difficult experience (Benjamin, 2018). Adaptive and cued responding can become automatic (i.e., "unconscious competence": Eubanks & Goldfried, 2019).

Relational (i.e., interpersonal) Mindfulness Practices (RMP: Kramer, 2007) supplement behavioral principles in each module of MC-CBT to support an increase in mindfulness and compassion and a decrease in maladaptive symptoms of distress. A transtherapeutic and integrative intervention, MC-CBT, enhances emotional processing of corrective information during exposure therapy and other high stress contexts to strengthen intentional responding within and between training meetings.

Schedule

Module 1 (5/9): The Body (The First 'B') & Joy.

Module 2 (5/16): Beliefs (The Second 'B') & Friendliness.

Module 3 (5/23): Emotions, Stress, & Equanimity.

Module 4 (6/6): Behavior (The Third 'B") & Compassion.

https://www.meta4stress.com/mccbt.

Professionals are invited into a participant-observer role when with non-professionals during this training. Professionals who graduate this training are invited to separate CE events where they will be supported in implementing the in-press manual for this program in an individual and / or group context.

All graduates of the program are invited to ongoing & optional seasonal 2-hr tune-up practices.

Featured Readings

Molnar, C. (2014). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In L. Grossman & S. Walfish (Eds), Translating Research into Practice: A Desk Reference for Practicing Mental Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing.

Molnar, C. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Curriculum, Training, and Clinician Guide. In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies (pp. 489-512). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. (will be provided to registrants by the author)

Continuing Education

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

List three adaptations for participants who initially may struggle with longer MBPs when distress levels or time stress may result in interference with information and emotional processing of traditional curriculum elements
Observe and directly experience, as a participant-observer, the delivery and curriculum elements of MC-CBT
Describe and implement the four modules of an adapted Mindfulness- and Compassion- based Program designed as a foundational training for those initially challenged by high distress and / or stress levels that may interfere with completion of MBCT, MBSR and related longer training programs.
Implement and describe the four steps of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intentions (MCII) into a foundational Mindfulness- and Compassion- Based Program integrated with Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Implement and describe the four steps of Self-Controlled Coping Desensitization and Cued Mindfulness and Compassion for adaptive emotion management.
Describe and implement meditation guidelines, at a beginner level, for formal Relational Mindfulness Practices (RMP).

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education (CE) credit information

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides ten (10) CE credits for qualified licensed practitioners.
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits.
To receive a CE certificate, licensed practitioners seeking CE must attend all sessions live. There is a make-up option for one missed session so participants can obtain full CE. Make-up session involves attending an alternate virtual CE training of 2.5-hr duration focused on mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions that are sponsored through PBTA. Inquire directly and in advance with Dr. Molnar via chris@molnarpsychology.com about making-up missed time if you will miss a session.

APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
CE is only offered for live (i.e., synchronous) events.

About the Presenter

Chris Molnar, Ph.D., obtained her Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology from The Pennsylvania State University. Her post-doctoral fellowship training was in traumatic stress and functional neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is President of the Mindful Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Psychological Wellness Center, Inc. (META Center). At META Center, she integrates Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) with other forms of psychotherapy. Her work is guided by ongoing developments in functional neuroscience, emotion and motivation, and other areas of inquiry into how humans learn optimally to maintain and apply healthy habits during states of threat and challenge. Before founding META Center in 2007, Dr. Molnar worked as a clinical investigator supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other funding agencies. For a full list of credentials, scientific contributions, popular press articles, and select professional presentations visit www.meta4stress.com Resources tab.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for mental health professionals (MHPs) and select non-MHPs screened for suitability. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education

Suggested Reading

Benjamin, L. S. (2018). The Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy treatment model. In L. S. Benjamin, Interpersonal reconstructive therapy for anger, anxiety, and depression: It's about broken hearts, not broken brains (pp. 103–132). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000090-005

Crane, R. S., Brewer, J., Feldman, C., Kabat-Zinn, J., Santorelli, S., Williams, J. M. G., & Kuyken, W. (2017). What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft. Psychological medicine, 47(6), 990-999.

Erickson, T. M., Newman, M. G., & McGuire, A. (2014). Adding an interpersonal-experiential focus to cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Working with emotion in cognitive behavioral therapy: Techniques for clinical practice, 356-380.

Eubanks, C. F., & Goldfried, M. R. (2019). A principle-based approach to psychotherapy integration. Handbook of psychotherapy integration, 88-104.

Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: exposure to corrective information. Psychological bulletin, 99(1), 20.

Goldfried, M. R. (2019). Obtaining consensus in psychotherapy: What holds us back?. American Psychologist, 74(4), 484.

Hayes, A. M., Beck, J. G., & Yasinski, C. (2012). A cognitive behavioral perspective on corrective experiences. In L. G. Castonguay & C. E. Hill (Eds.), Transformation in psychotherapy: Corrective experiences across cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches (pp. 69–83). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/13747-005

Kramer, G. (2007). Insight dialogue: The interpersonal path to freedom. Shambhala Publications.

Molnar, C. (September, 2017). Playing in the ocean of awareness: Innovations in mindfulness training The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 16-17.

Molnar, C. (2014). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In L. Grossman & S. Walfish (Eds), Translating Research into Practice: A Desk Reference for Practicing Mental Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing.

Newman, M. G., Castonguay, L. G., Jacobson, N. C., & Moore, G. A. (2015). Adult attachment as a moderator of treatment outcome for generalized anxiety disorder: Comparison between cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) plus supportive listening and CBT plus interpersonal and emotional processing therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(5), 915–925. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0039359

Newman, M. G., & Zainal, N. H. (2020). Interpersonal and Emotion‐Focused Therapy (I/EP) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Generalized anxiety disorder and worrying: A comprehensive handbook for clinicians and researchers, 231-244.

Oettingen, G., & Gollwitzer, P. M. (2017). Health behavior change by self-regulation of goal pursuit: Mental contrasting with implementation intentions. In Routledge International Handbook of Self-Control in Health and Well-Being (pp. 418-430). Routledge.

Silveira, S., Godara, M., & Singer, T. (2023). Boosting empathy and compassion through mindfulness-based and socioemotional dyadic practice: randomized controlled trial with app-delivered trainings. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e45027.

Brief Mindfulness- & Compassion- Based CBT (MC-CBT) 4-session training for Cueing Adaptive Automaticity (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Schedule

Module 1 (5/9): The Body (The First 'B') & Joy.

Module 2 (5/16): Beliefs (The Second 'B') & Friendliness.

Module 3 (5/23): Emotions, Stress, & Equanimity.

Module 4 (6/6): Behavior (The Third 'B") & Compassion.

https://www.meta4stress.com/mccbt.

All graduates of the program are invited to ongoing & optional seasonal 2-hr tune-up practices.

Featured Readings

Molnar, C. (2014). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In L. Grossman & S. Walfish (Eds), Translating Research into Practice: A Desk Reference for Practicing Mental Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing.

Molnar, C. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Curriculum, Training, and Clinician Guide. In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies (pp. 489-512). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. (will be provided to registrants by the author)

Continuing Education

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

List three adaptations for participants who initially may struggle with longer MBPs when distress levels or time stress may result in interference with information and emotional processing of traditional curriculum elements
Observe and directly experience, as a participant-observer, the delivery and curriculum elements of MC-CBT
Describe and implement the four modules of an adapted Mindfulness- and Compassion- based Program designed as a foundational training for those initially challenged by high distress and / or stress levels that may interfere with completion of MBCT, MBSR and related longer training programs.
Implement and describe the four steps of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intentions (MCII) into a foundational Mindfulness- and Compassion- Based Program integrated with Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Implement and describe the four steps of Self-Controlled Coping Desensitization and Cued Mindfulness and Compassion for adaptive emotion management.
Describe and implement meditation guidelines, at a beginner level, for formal Relational Mindfulness Practices (RMP).

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education (CE) credit information

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides ten (10) CE credits for qualified licensed practitioners.
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits.
To receive a CE certificate, licensed practitioners seeking CE must attend all sessions live. There is a make-up option for one missed session so participants can obtain full CE. Make-up session involves attending an alternate virtual CE training of 2.5-hr duration focused on mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions that are sponsored through PBTA. Inquire directly and in advance with Dr. Molnar via chris@molnarpsychology.com about making-up missed time if you will miss a session.

APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
CE is only offered for live (i.e., synchronous) events.

About the Presenter

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for mental health professionals (MHPs) and select non-MHPs screened for suitability. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education

Suggested Reading

Eubanks, C. F., & Goldfried, M. R. (2019). A principle-based approach to psychotherapy integration. Handbook of psychotherapy integration, 88-104.

Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: exposure to corrective information. Psychological bulletin, 99(1), 20.

Goldfried, M. R. (2019). Obtaining consensus in psychotherapy: What holds us back?. American Psychologist, 74(4), 484.

Kramer, G. (2007). Insight dialogue: The interpersonal path to freedom. Shambhala Publications.

Molnar, C. (September, 2017). Playing in the ocean of awareness: Innovations in mindfulness training The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 16-17.

A process-based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy: Clarissa Ong, Ph.D. Virtual CE (05/18/2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has a robust evidence base for a range of diagnoses, yet clinicians frequently encounter patients whose presentations do not map neatly onto diagnostic categories. A process-based approach to CBT—or process-based therapy (PBT) more broadly—offers a flexible alternative to protocol-driven treatment, by shifting the focus from disorder-specific symptoms to core psychological processes that keep clients stuck in their struggles, allowing for more individualized and responsive treatment. This presentation will introduce a practical process-based framework for delivering personalized CBT in clinical settings. Attendees will be guided through the key principles of a process-based framework, including how to identify clinically relevant processes, select interventions that target those processes, and monitor treatment progress across sessions. A case study serves as the backbone of the presentation. Participants will follow the full arc of a clinical case—from initial assessment and case conceptualization through session-by-session decision-making—to see how a process-based lens shapes treatment in real time. Emphasis is placed on practical application: how to think flexibly within a CBT framework without abandoning structure or evidence-based practice.

CE Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe at least one principle underlying process-based therapy.
2. Identify clinically relevant processes for case conceptualization, including sociocultural factors.
3. Select evidence-based interventions matched to client needs.

About Presenter

Clarissa Ong, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Her research focuses on developing, evaluating, and disseminating personalized interventions guided by behavioral and process-based principles. Specific topics of interest include process-based therapy (PBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), OCRDs, and perfectionism.

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 one (1) hour 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.

Brief Mindfulness- & Compassion- Based CBT (MC-CBT) 4-session training for Cueing Adaptive Automaticity (05/23/2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Schedule

Module 1 (5/9): The Body (The First 'B') & Joy.

Module 2 (5/16): Beliefs (The Second 'B') & Friendliness.

Module 3 (5/23): Emotions, Stress, & Equanimity.

Module 4 (6/6): Behavior (The Third 'B") & Compassion.

https://www.meta4stress.com/mccbt.

All graduates of the program are invited to ongoing & optional seasonal 2-hr tune-up practices.

Featured Readings

Molnar, C. (2014). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In L. Grossman & S. Walfish (Eds), Translating Research into Practice: A Desk Reference for Practicing Mental Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing.

Molnar, C. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Curriculum, Training, and Clinician Guide. In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies (pp. 489-512). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. (will be provided to registrants by the author)

Continuing Education

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

List three adaptations for participants who initially may struggle with longer MBPs when distress levels or time stress may result in interference with information and emotional processing of traditional curriculum elements
Observe and directly experience, as a participant-observer, the delivery and curriculum elements of MC-CBT
Describe and implement the four modules of an adapted Mindfulness- and Compassion- based Program designed as a foundational training for those initially challenged by high distress and / or stress levels that may interfere with completion of MBCT, MBSR and related longer training programs.
Implement and describe the four steps of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intentions (MCII) into a foundational Mindfulness- and Compassion- Based Program integrated with Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Implement and describe the four steps of Self-Controlled Coping Desensitization and Cued Mindfulness and Compassion for adaptive emotion management.
Describe and implement meditation guidelines, at a beginner level, for formal Relational Mindfulness Practices (RMP).

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education (CE) credit information

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides ten (10) CE credits for qualified licensed practitioners.
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits.
To receive a CE certificate, licensed practitioners seeking CE must attend all sessions live. There is a make-up option for one missed session so participants can obtain full CE. Make-up session involves attending an alternate virtual CE training of 2.5-hr duration focused on mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions that are sponsored through PBTA. Inquire directly and in advance with Dr. Molnar via chris@molnarpsychology.com about making-up missed time if you will miss a session.

APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
CE is only offered for live (i.e., synchronous) events.

About the Presenter

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for mental health professionals (MHPs) and select non-MHPs screened for suitability. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education

Suggested Reading

Eubanks, C. F., & Goldfried, M. R. (2019). A principle-based approach to psychotherapy integration. Handbook of psychotherapy integration, 88-104.

Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: exposure to corrective information. Psychological bulletin, 99(1), 20.

Goldfried, M. R. (2019). Obtaining consensus in psychotherapy: What holds us back?. American Psychologist, 74(4), 484.

Kramer, G. (2007). Insight dialogue: The interpersonal path to freedom. Shambhala Publications.

Molnar, C. (September, 2017). Playing in the ocean of awareness: Innovations in mindfulness training The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 16-17.

Brief Mindfulness- & Compassion- Based CBT (MC-CBT) 4-session training for Cueing Adaptive Automaticity (06/06/2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Schedule

Module 1 (5/9): The Body (The First 'B') & Joy.

Module 2 (5/16): Beliefs (The Second 'B') & Friendliness.

Module 3 (5/23): Emotions, Stress, & Equanimity.

Module 4 (6/6): Behavior (The Third 'B") & Compassion.

https://www.meta4stress.com/mccbt.

All graduates of the program are invited to ongoing & optional seasonal 2-hr tune-up practices.

Featured Readings

Molnar, C. (2014). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In L. Grossman & S. Walfish (Eds), Translating Research into Practice: A Desk Reference for Practicing Mental Health Professionals. New York: Springer Publishing.

Molnar, C. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Curriculum, Training, and Clinician Guide. In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies (pp. 489-512). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. (will be provided to registrants by the author)

Continuing Education

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

List three adaptations for participants who initially may struggle with longer MBPs when distress levels or time stress may result in interference with information and emotional processing of traditional curriculum elements
Observe and directly experience, as a participant-observer, the delivery and curriculum elements of MC-CBT
Describe and implement the four modules of an adapted Mindfulness- and Compassion- based Program designed as a foundational training for those initially challenged by high distress and / or stress levels that may interfere with completion of MBCT, MBSR and related longer training programs.
Implement and describe the four steps of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intentions (MCII) into a foundational Mindfulness- and Compassion- Based Program integrated with Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Implement and describe the four steps of Self-Controlled Coping Desensitization and Cued Mindfulness and Compassion for adaptive emotion management.
Describe and implement meditation guidelines, at a beginner level, for formal Relational Mindfulness Practices (RMP).

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education (CE) credit information

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides ten (10) CE credits for qualified licensed practitioners.
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits.
To receive a CE certificate, licensed practitioners seeking CE must attend all sessions live. There is a make-up option for one missed session so participants can obtain full CE. Make-up session involves attending an alternate virtual CE training of 2.5-hr duration focused on mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions that are sponsored through PBTA. Inquire directly and in advance with Dr. Molnar via chris@molnarpsychology.com about making-up missed time if you will miss a session.

APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
CE is only offered for live (i.e., synchronous) events.

About the Presenter

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for mental health professionals (MHPs) and select non-MHPs screened for suitability. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

Continuing Education

Suggested Reading

Eubanks, C. F., & Goldfried, M. R. (2019). A principle-based approach to psychotherapy integration. Handbook of psychotherapy integration, 88-104.

Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: exposure to corrective information. Psychological bulletin, 99(1), 20.

Goldfried, M. R. (2019). Obtaining consensus in psychotherapy: What holds us back?. American Psychologist, 74(4), 484.

Kramer, G. (2007). Insight dialogue: The interpersonal path to freedom. Shambhala Publications.

Molnar, C. (September, 2017). Playing in the ocean of awareness: Innovations in mindfulness training The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 16-17.

Integrating MBCT Curriculum Elements Into Individual Sessions to Strengthen Metacognition and Facilitate Emotional Processing. Virtual CE (06/08/2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Teaching the formal guided meditation practices and experiential exercises of Mindfulness-Based- Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to individual psychotherapy clients is a pragmatic way for practitioners to integrate MBCT curriculum elements into psychotherapy while also developing as teachers. In this training clinicians are introduced to two experiential exercises designed to enhance metacognitive awareness of thought content and process in conditions of ambiguity. Additionally, a brief version of the formal sounds and thoughts guided practice will be demonstrated. Eliciting the rationale for practice interactively during the inquiry process following MBCT practices and exercises is also demonstrated. Transdiagnostic processes that maintain maladaptive cognitive, physiological, and behavioral reactivity are highlighted using brief case example excerpts. Specific adaptive processes developed with practice in MBCT, including meta-cognition, meta-awareness, and compassionate action are featured. Attendees receive resources for practicing the curriculum elements demonstrated in order to support implementation with clients. Participants are also invited to identify challenges and questions through reflective practice that will be addressed in follow-up CE events designed to support development of competence teaching MBCT practices in individual psychotherapy sessions.

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides one & a half (1.5) CE credits
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
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.
All events are Eastern Time Zone
Contact Claire, PBTA's CE assistant if you need any learning accommodations no later than one week before event. Email Claire at pbtacontinuingedassistant@gmail.com

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Teacher Foundations Retreat & Development w/Relational Mindfulness (10/11/2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

https://www.eomega.org/workshops/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy-mbct

Scroll down for CE objectives, recommended readings, and additional event description offered as background for those considering the live & in-person training at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY from October 11 to 16, 2026. Contract chris@molnarpsychology.com with questions. Thank you.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with contemplative wisdom practices. Originally developed to prevent relapse in people with recurrent depression, MBCT and its adaptations have been shown to not only reduce relapse of mood disorders, but also reduce current symptoms of PTSD, OCD, Panic, GAD, other anxiety, & related disorders (e.g., substance abuse) that can develop when disorders marked by Neuroticism remain untreated. Through effective integration of scientific findings and theory about emotional processing and the cognitive, physical, and overt and covert behavioral elements of emotion, MBCT has been shown to be a trans-therapeutic intervention of benefit to those with a range of transdiagnostic disorders. This is in part through increasing metacognition (aka "decentering" , "deidentification", etc.) and changing how one relates habitually with unwanted internal experiences in mind and body. Moreover, the mindfulness skills developed in MBCT are foundational for the range of compassion-based interventions that also have transtherapeutic benefits for those with emotional disorders.

The path for competently and ethically teaching MBCT to those with emotional disorders includes, but is not limited to, participation in the traditional 8-session MBCT program in the role of participant. The participant-observer model of competence development supports professionals in implementing MBCT with the population they already have expertise serving. It also offers the opportunity to observe experienced professionals model implementation of the MBCT curriculum elements with people exhibiting symptoms the practitioner wants to develop skills for treating. Importantly, the model offers opportunities for receiving feedback from fellow healthcare professionals in role plays in a consultation setting to enhance competence through deliberate practice. Practitioners will develop foundational skills for implementing all elements of the MBCT curriculum. Further, through developing the habit of formal and informal personal mindfulness practice in the role of participant they can enhance both intra- & inter-personal effectiveness in responding to challenges that arise in MBCT skill development and implementation with clients. For more about the MBCT training pathway & becoming an MBCT teacher visit https://www.mbct.com/mbct-training-pathway/ or read article by MBCT co-developer Zindel Segal, Ph.D. at www.philabta.org/EBP about increasing access to high quality professional training Home - Access MBCT .

In this workshop, developing clinician teachers will directly experience the MBCT treatment protocol . Professionals will then practice guiding short versions of traditional MBCT practices & receiving feedback from a novice to experienced teachers using the "teach-back" model for skill development. Feedback is offered in the context of a relational mindfulness practice that invites contemplation, reflection, & inquiry about implementing the "Guiding Practice" Domain of the Mindfulness-Based Interventions - Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC). The Guiding Practice Domain outlines the "bones" or essential elements of each MBCT formal practice including: the 3 step breathing space - regular & responsive versions; body scan; mindfulness of sounds and thoughts; two ways of knowing; and sitting & movement formal practices. Professional participants will also practice implementing the relational mindfulness practice of Mindful Case Consultation (MCC), with a focus on implementing MBCT with cases and teaching challenges while maintaining self-care.

This live & in-person (at Omega Institute) workshop is followed by optional and virtual bi-monthly meetings with past professional graduates of this training. These occur in the year following the training to support implementation with clients. The MBI-TAC is introduced at Omega and used in the year following the training during the optional virtual follow-up meetings during which practice teaching and offering feedback continue for those interested in continuing development.

From Zindel Segal, Ph.D., co-creator of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):

“Chris Molnar, Ph.D. offers a high quality MBCT training that adheres to the principles of participant experiential learning and treatment fidelity”

“There is no better way to learn mindfulness and MBCT than to experience it for yourself. "

Required reading for the MBCT teacher training sequence.

The Mindful Way Workbook: An 8-Week Program to Free Yourself from Depression and Emotional Distress.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, Second Edition 2nd Edition
Mindfulness-Based Interventions - Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC)
Baer, R., Crane, C., Miller, E., & Kuyken, W. (2019). Doing no harm in mindfulness-based programs: conceptual issues and empirical findings. Clinical psychology review, 71, 101-114.
Molnar, C. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Curriculum, Training, and Clinician Guide. In The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies (pp. 489-512). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.

Suggested Reading

Crane, R. S., Eames, C., Kuyken, W., Hastings, R. P., Williams, J. M. G., Bartley, T., ... & Surawy, C. (2013). Development and validation of the mindfulness-based interventions–teaching assessment criteria (MBI: TAC). Assessment, 20(6), 681-688.

Dimidjian, S., & Segal, Z. V. (2015). Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based intervention. American Psychologist, 70(7), 593.

Kramer, G. (2007). Insight dialogue: The interpersonal path to freedom. Shambhala Publications.

Molnar, C. (September, 2017). Playing in the ocean of awareness: Innovations in mindfulness training. The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 16-17.

Molnar, C. (June, 2014). Peer groups as a reflecting pool for enhancing wisdom. The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, pages 9-10.

CE Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the structural elements of four formal mindfulness practices that adhere to evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) designed to teach participants to deconstruct emotion (pleasant or unpleasant) into the mind, body, and behavior elements.

2. Describe two examples of covert (mental) or overt (observable) behaviors that reflect the “doing mode of mind” that arises when there is a discrepancy between one’s desired verses actual internal state.

3. Describe one specific way that an unpleasant emotion state can contribute to the risk of recurrence of transdiagnostic emotional disorders.

4. Describe examples of typical automatic thoughts (ATs), measured by the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), and how a negative / & or depleted mood / emotion state impacts retrieval processes of ATs.

5. Describe two examples of the “being (present) mode of mind” that serves as an antidote for the doing mode of mind’s focus on the past & / or future.

6. Describe one way that the being mode of mind can reduce the risk of recurrence of distress in transdiagnostic emotional disorders associated with automatically perceiving thoughts as facts.

7. Describe two examples of the difference between conceptual and non-conceptual information (& associated) emotional processing and how each mode of processing can reduce or increase risk of distress and / or dysphoria.

8. Describe the difference between an avoidance / aversion and an approach mode of relating with experience and how each can influence level of distress and dysphoria.

9. Describe the concept of ruminative brooding and how it worsens mood and predicts onset, maintenance, and recurrence of transdiagnostic emotional disorders.

10. Describe the components of the regular three-step "breathing space" practice and how it supports implementation of MBI skills in everyday life.

11. Describe the components of the responsive three-step "breathing space" practice and how it can support the application of mindfulness skills & compassionate responding in stressful situations.

12. Describe how the body scan practice can be viewed as a behavioral experiment with an intention of noticing the impact of non-conceptual information processing of experience; disengagement of attention from stimuli increasing distress; and a broadening of the attentional field.

13. Describe MBI-adherent elements of formal sitting meditation practice and how it can be considered a micro-laboratory that supports awareness of not only sensations but also habitual mental phenomena and one’s intra-personal relationship to feeling states.

14. Describe three of the nine “Foundational Attitudes” that are ways of relating with experience to support both formal and informal mindfulness practice implementation.

15. Describe elements of the informal practice of monitoring pleasant and unpleasant events and how event logs are used to support deconstruction of emotion states into their co-arising & interacting elements.

16. Describe the implementation of the informal practice of logging nourishing and depleting events and how this supports identification of factors associated with relapse prevention and self-kindness intra-personally.

17. Describe a specific way that intention and personal values clarity can reduce barriers to development, and support strengthening, of MBCT skills implementation.

18. Describe how brief assessments of mindfulness, ruminative brooding and compassion can be integrated into the MBCT curriculum to motivate practice and track outcome.

19. Describe the physiological outcome of fighting or attempting to eliminate unwanted internal experiences and how it contrasts with allowing one’s unwanted experiences and relating with kindness to the self.

20. Describe two specific ways that participation in the MBCT group supports the strengthening of mindfulness and compassion in relationship with self and / or others.

21. Describe the six teaching competence domains measured by the Mindfulness-Based Interventions - Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC)

22. Implement the Mindfulness-Based Interventions - Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC) using examples from live formal MBCT sessions.

23. Observe an MBCT teacher implement live formal MBCT sessions while in the role of a participant followed by relational mindfulness practice and feedback designed to strengthen teaching competence.

24. Describe and observe the practice of mindful inquiry after formal guided practices with participants who meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety & related disorders.

About Presenters

Chris Molnar, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and clinical investigator, founded Mindful Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Psychological Wellness Center (META Center) in 2007. She completed post-doctoral fellowship training in traumatic stress, neuroscience, and psycho-physiology and is an expert in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, OCD, PTSD, emotional, and stress-related conditions using evidence-based practices. She teaches both Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and has also developed adaptations for highly distressed clients, using Relational Mindfulness Practices (RBPs), to meet the needs of people in both individual and group therapy settings. At META Center, she offers integrative interventions grounded in findings about the brain, emotion, and learning to facilitate mental and behavioral habit change, even in the face of severe distress. Before founding META Center, she served as a clinical investigator and therapist supported by grants from the National Institute of Health and other agencies. She is also on the editorial board of Behavior Therapy and serves the public in many ways, through professional presentations, workshops, publications, and affiliations.

Alissa S. Yamasaki, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Ayama Psychotherapy, located in Lemont, PA. Her practice has gained a positive local reputation for its mindful and collaborative business practices, psychotherapists who are especially effective in the area of health and mind-body conditions, and wellness events for health and wellness providers.

Dr. Yamasaki's clinical expertise focuses on the treatment of chronic and complex anxiety, as well as insomnia. Her earliest study of the mind-body connection was as an undergraduate in an exercise psychophysiology lab investigating the effects of physical activity on how people feel and think. Dr. Yamasaki earned her Ph.D. from Penn State University in 2006 and completed her internship at Albany Medical Consortium. Her current practices reflect her belief in the importance of being fully present while drawing from empirically-driven interventions. She utilizes a blend of CBT and relational approaches, including mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. Yamasaki attended the 5-day Mindfulness-Based teacher training retreat with Chris Molnar, Ph.D., in 2022, which sparked both the deepening of her mindfulness practices and greater effectiveness in the therapy room.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.

Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.

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.
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
This program provides twenty-seven (27) CE credits, including 3 in ethics and 3 in telehealth applicable to e-passport holders through PSYPACT. There is not additional cost, above registration paid to Omega Institute, for CE credits for qualified licensed practitioners.
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 outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits.

Managing Difficult and Sensitive Conversations with Clients: Principles and Practices with Cory Newman, Ph.D., ABPP (10/26/2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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