ISTDP for Functional Somatic Disorders: 3-Day Online Immersion w/Dr. Abbass

Functional somatic disorders are extremely common and costly resulting in a massive amount of unnecessary human suffering, healthcare service use, corporate and governmental loss and disability costs. 

Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) has been specifically developed and researched to effectively treat the full spectrum of functional somatic disorders. It has been shown in over 20 published outcomes studies to be both effective and cost-effective. In a series of studies it provided greater pain relief than cognitive behavioral therapy in chronic pain populations. 

In this video-based immersion course, Dr Allan Abbass will review a spectrum of cases presenting with somatic disorders affecting the voluntary muscles (fibromyalgia, spasms, tics, tremors), smooth muscles (Migraine, IBS, bladder spasm) and cognitive perceptual field (Functional Neurological Disorders, functional seizures). The 2 main cases to be shown (never before seen) will have muscle tension related symptoms and functional neurological symptoms plus personality pathology. We will review the assessment and treatment processes emphasizing somatic experiencing of complex emotions to remove these symptoms while treating underlying elements of attachment trauma. 

This course is suitable for all mental health professionals, physicians, nurse practitioners and other health professionals.

This immersion will be held online only.

Reduced rates are available for group registrations and those in certain lower income countries. Email for details.

Because the course will be held online, it is open to the following groups of healthcare professionals and therapists : 1) those who are in an ISTDP or EDT Core training or supervision, 2) those who have previously completed an ISTDP/EDT Core training program, 3) ISTDP/EDT Trainers, 4) Colleagues of these 3 groups who will attend the immersion while physically being present in the same room, and 5) those who are part of any ISTDP/EDT Societies with signed confidentiality agreements. This is all to ensure confidentiality of case materials that will be reviewed and discussed.

This training is exclusively for licensed mental health and registered health professionals, including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, MFTs, Counselors, as well as Physicians, Nurses, Physical Therapists, etc. If you are not a mental health or health professional, you may not attend due to the protection of patient confidentiality. Students and trainees pursuing licensure or registration as a mental health or health professional under supervision are welcome. The course content level is Intermediate level.

19.5 Continuing Education credits are available for this event for an additional $40 and can be purchased here: https://www.academeca.com/CEUReg/Order.aspx?selectedId=4868&offerGuid=085bea15-ab22-41e4-ab86-4f64a0232179. Participants must have paid tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire webinar, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate. Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available following course completion at www.ceuregistration.com. There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

Schedule (set to start at 0 so you can adjust for your time zone):

November 30

30 Mins before: Enter Zoom Conference: Make sure Zoom Name is same as Registration

0-1:30 Introduction Tami Chelew and Matt Jarvinen. Overview, Metapsychology of somatic symptoms/processes and Striated case Session 3

1:30-1:50 Morning break

1:50-3:00 Striated case Session 4

3:00-3:15 Commentary Tami/Matt

3:15-4:15 Midday break/Lunch

4:15-5:30 Striated case Session 5

5:30-5:50 Afternoon break

5:50-7:00 Striated case Session 6

7:00 Conclude Day 1

December 1

30 Mins before: Enter Zoom Conference: Make sure Zoom Name is same as Registration

0-1:30 Striated case Session 7

1:30-1:50 Morning break

1:50-3:00 Striated case Session 8 and end

3:00-3:15 Commentary Tami/ Matt

3:15-4:15 Midday break/Lunch

4:15-5:30 Fragile Case Trial 1: barriers and psychodiagnosis

5:30-5:50 Afternoon break

5:50-7:00 Fragile Case Trial and Session 2: early graded work

7:00 Conclude Day 2

December 2

30 Mins before: Enter Zoom Conference: Make sure Zoom Name is same as Registration

0-1:30 Fragile Case Session 4: graded work

1:30-1:50 Morning break

1:50-3:00 Fragile case Session 8 and bit of 9

3:00-3:15 Commentary Tami/Matt

3:15-4:15 Midday break/Lunch

4:15-5:30 Fragile Case session 10

5:30-5:50 Afternoon break

5:50-7:00 Session 11 splitting challenge and Later sessions

7:00 Conclude Course

Feedback from former participants:

"Being able to see the videos along with his live commentary and follow-up questions made the theory very accessible and easy to follow."

"Dr. Abbass provided so many fabulous and practical cases and examples!"

Allan Abbass, MD, is a psychiatrist, teacher, and researcher. He is a professor of psychiatry and psychology and the founding director of the Centre for Emotions and Health at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. He is one of the foremost psychotherapy teachers and researchers in the world, and is the author of "Reaching Through Resistance" and "Hidden From View."

Special registration page for Iranian participants through Vofour: https://iristdp.com/.

For more information about Vofour: https://vofour.com/.