A Dialectical Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration: Three Models Fee: $35.00 US Length: 3 hours Credits: 3.00 Presenter: David Arbeitman, Ph.D.

In recent years, developments in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapies have seen a convergence of distinct and seemingly antithetical traditions. This allows for the possibility of integration of these two models as well as with humanistic and interpersonal approaches. After identifying the historical obstacles and philosophical differences which have precluded psychotherapy integration, we will review developments that represent a more favorable climate for possible integration. We will consider the possible advantages of integration on the theoretical, conceptual, and technical levels. The focus will then shift to a close examination of three models that have attempted to integrate two or more of these traditions: Wachtel’s Cyclical Psychodynamic Theory, Linehan’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Safran’s Cognitive-Interpersonal approach.

Goals and Objectives:

Participants will learn:
1) Recent developments which have created a climate for psychotherapy integration.
2) Cyclical Psychodynamic Theory as a model which integrated psychodynamic and behavioral approaches to psychotherapy.
3) How Safran’s concepts of interpersonal schema and therapeutic alliance integrate cognitive and interpersonal approaches to psychotherapy.
4) Dialectical Behavior Therapy as a model which integrates humanistic and behavioral approaches to psychotherapy.

Dr. David Arbeitman received his doctorate from Cornell University in 1984, after completing his internship at the Counseling Center of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has taught courses in psychopathology, group theory and practice, diversity, geropsychology, psychodynamic theory and practice, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Arbeitman has been a psychologist and clinical supervisor at the Center for Adults and Families, a program of the Westfield Area Mental Health Clinic (Massachusetts). He is Director of their predoctoral internship in Clinical/Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited), which specializes in providing training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as other empirically supported and integrative treatments.

Dr. Arbeitman has received advanced training in Panic Control Treatment (PCT) and intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He is currently a trainer-in-training with the Behavioral Technology Transfer Group (BTTG). He has also made numerous professional presentations on the topic of psychotherapy integration, and is a member of the society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI). Dr. Arbeitman is licensed as a psychologist in Massachusetts, where he is also certified as an independent provider of mental health services.