In many psychological disorders, clients get caught up thinking about the future in negative ways. By definition, clinical worry includes some degree of prediction that future events will turn out poorly. Yet recent research has shown that worry's predictions are often highly inaccurate. Fortunately, studies also suggest the deceitful processes of worry can be changed for the better. This interactive presentation will describe a variety of research on worry's "lies." Dr. LaFreniere will explain and discuss why the mind continues to create expectations that are repeatedly proven false. Most importantly, attendees will learn and discuss empirically-supported ways to help clients lessen this faulty forecasting, as well as learn to thrive despite it. Worry may love to lie, but its tricks can be nixed.
To read Dr. LaFreniere's 2020 Behavior Therapy article entitled with Dr. Michelle Newman, "Exposing Worry's Deceit: Percentage of Untrue Worries in Generalized Anxiety Disorder," click here
CE Learning Objectives
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Describe and apply research findings on the inaccuracy of worry predictions and problems in learning the likelihoods of event outcomes.
2. Implement a variety of therapeutic techniques for reducing unhelpful worry, improving the accuracy of expectations, and living fruitfully even in the presence of automatic forecasting.
About Presenter
Dr. LaFreniere specializes in developing and researching interventions for anxiety and worry. His research aims to determine core processes of anxiety psychopathology, devise treatments targeting those processes, test their efficacy, and examine their mechanisms. His basic research has revealed Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) deficits in learning the probabilities of future outcomes, learning by reinforcement, and engagement with positive emotions. In his applied research, he has developed and tested interventions for correcting these problems via smartphone with self-monitoring and savoring. For example, his Worry Outcome Journal (WOJ) EMI employed an enhanced form of worry outcome monitoring, guiding participants to see the high costs, low benefits, and inaccuracies of their worries in daily life via smartphone. His SkillJoy EMI guides clients to savor enjoyment of positive experiences, mindfully appreciate good aspects of the present moment, recognize worry’s inaccuracy, and gain exposure to being “off guard.” Compared to an active treatment control, the app successfully reduced worry, anxiety, and depression and increased positive emotions, optimism, and enjoying the present moment. Outside of research, Luc enjoys songwriting, hiking, exercise/weightlifting, reading, short film, and quality time with friends
Target Audience
This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure and with some clinical experience. The instructional level of this presentation is intermediate.
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.
- This program provides two (2) hours of 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.
- 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.
