Wright State to host psychotherapy giant Don Meichenbaum

Don Meichenbaum was named one of the 10 most influential psychotherapists of the last century by “American Psychologist,” the official journal of the American Psychological Association.

Named among the most influential psychotherapists of the 20th century, Don Meichenbaum will highlight a day-long presentation and workshop at Wright State University designed to sharpen the skills of psychologists, counselors, social workers and others in the mental health arena.

“Core Tasks of Psychotherapy & Counseling: What ‘Expert’ Therapists Do!” will be held Friday, April 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Berry Room of the Wright State Nutter Center.

The public event is being organized by Victor McCarley of Wright State’s School of Professional Psychology and Stephen Fortson and Eileen Self of the College of Education and Human Services.

Meichenbaum is co-founder of cognitive-behavioral therapy, a technique that puts patients in charge of their own psychotherapy by modifying what they say to themselves. He was named one of the 10 most influential psychotherapists of the last century by “American Psychologist,” the official journal of the American Psychological Association.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear from a giant in the field of psychology and counseling,” said McCarley. “The core tasks of psychotherapy are what he is coming to speak to us about and how to make all therapists more effective.”

Meichenbaum is expected to provide a framework that therapists/counselors can use with youth, adults and families. A special focus will be on ways to treat people with multiple mental health disorders such as PTSD, substance abuse and depression. He will also cover predicting violence, improving cultural competence of therapists/counselors and how to use client feedback to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

A distinguished professor emeritus of the University of Waterloo, Meichenbaum is founder and research director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment in Miami.

The fee for the workshop is $125. Visit http://psychology.wright.edu/#tab=continuing-education to register for the workshop.