Stefan G. Hofmann, Ph.D. is Professor at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University where he directs the Psychotherapy and Emotion Research Laboratory. His main research focuses on the mechanism of treatment change, translating discoveries from neuroscience into clinical applications, emotion regulation strategies, and cultural expressions of emotional disorders. Stefan has more than 300 scientific publications, including 12 books. Some of his recent awards and honors include the Aaron T. Beck award and the Humboldt prize. He is a former president of ABCT and the IACP. Stefan is also the editor in chief of Cognitive Therapy and Research and the associate editor of Clinical Psychological Science. 

IN-CONGRESS WORKSHOP on 07.09.2018, 14:00-17:25

Process-Based CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been an enormous empirical and practical success over its more than 50+ year history. The situation surrounding evidence-based care has dramatically changed, however, and it is important for CBT to change as well. For decades, evidence-based therapy has been defined in terms of scientifically validated protocols focused on syndromes. That era is now passing away. This workshop will feature didactic presentations, demonstration of practical strategies and exercises how to utilize the core competencies of CBT in a pragmatic way that honors the behavioral, cognitive, and acceptance and mindfulness wings of the tradition in a new form of process-based CBT. Additional goals include gaining an up-to-date understanding of the transdiagnostic core processes; using a functional diagnostic system that has treatment utility; and establishing more progressive models and theories in clinical practice.

KEYNOTE on 08.09.2018, 09:00-10:00:

Emotion in Therapy

Emotions are critical aspects of mental health. Although conventional treatments for emotional disorders are generally effective interventions, many people still suffer from residual emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and anger problems. Moreover, contemporary treatments that have focused primarily on negative affect rarely leads to lasting improvements in positive affect, quality of life, and happiness.  Recent scientific evidence and theoretical models of emotions can enrich the therapeutic strategies when treating emotional disorders. These strategies range from adaptive and flexible intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation strategies to various mindfulness-based practices. In the case of anxiety disorders, modern emotion theories clarify the mechanism of exposure procedures and the role of avoidance strategies. These insights can inform the treatment for emotional disorders.