Conceptualization and Treatment Based on a Brain Model

• Asynchronous • On-Demand Webinar

This introductory-level course includes lecture, discussion and clinical examples.

Dr. Robert Moss, Clinical Neuropsychologist and author, will introduce course participants to a brain model based on the cortical column as the binary digit (bit) involved in all higher cortical functions. He will explore his model in depth as it is applied to various pain conditions, including sexual pain disorders.

Course Description

Chronic pain issues are frequent presenting problems in clinical settings. Clinicians are often confronted with stubborn problems related to pain that are often rooted in complex and difficult-to-resolve individual or relational matters. Dr. Moss will present a user-friendly, yet scientifically grounded pain management model, that explains how a patient’s current factors, stressors, loss-related issues and negative emotional memories each play a role in psychological problems associated with chronic pain conditions. He will present information related to pain neurophysiology, with emphasis on sexual pain disorders, and how pain is processed in the brain. Seemingly mysterious processes such as complex processing without verbal awareness (i.e., “unconscious”) will be explained along with clinical applications. Dr. Moss will present his practical integrative model considering various therapy process variables and treatment procedures.

Loss-related (e.g., loss of relationships, loss of ability to do normal work and recreational activities) depression will be explained and how this is addressed in therapy. Dr. Moss will discuss treatment of influential negative emotional memories, particularly those involving important interpersonal relationships (e.g., parents, school peers, spouse) and those specific to sexual anxiety/phobia. In reference to current relationships, his model’s explanation of the two metatraits (i.e., Plasticity and Stability) of the Five Factor Theory is provided, and how this leads to logically-derived rules to most effectively deal with each behavioral type. Finally, this approach fits well with a constructivist viewpoint in establishing new views on life meaning. Overall, the workshop provides unique perspectives on psychological disorders associated with chronic pain conditions.

Why Did We Create This Course?

Learning Objectives

• Develop a basic understanding of the Dimensional Systems Model (DSM) of learning and memory and how this applies to pain neurophysiology, including that related to sexual pain disorders.
• Explain how the DSM translates into the Clinical Biopsychological Model allowing psychotherapy integration related to cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic/experiential viewpoints and treatments.
• Describe how the two sides of the brain are connected and interact with each other and subcortically, resulting in specific cognitive and emotional patterns and symptoms.
• Identify the Clinical Biopsychological basis of two interpersonal relationship patterns, Givers vs. Takers, and how these patterns are involved in teaching patients to form realistic expectations and deal effectively with relationship issues.
• Discuss the three primary sources (i.e., current factors, negative emotional memories, and loss issues) of mood and anxiety/stress disorders, and use of the model to explain how lack of perceived control and feeling personal inadequacy relate to detrimental negative emotional memories and psychotherapeutic treatments.
• Apply the theoretical information related to the Clinical Biopsychological Model and the applied training materials to facilitate a brain-based approach to psychotherapy assessment, conceptualization, and treatment that goes beyond the biopsychosocial approach.

Approvals

This asynchronous, on-demand webinar course is approved by the APA, AASECT and Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling to provide 6 (asynchronous) CE credits, 1 out of those 6 CE-s is Ethics.

FL LCSW, MFT & CMHC approvals should cover MFT, CMHC and LCSW boards in most other states, including Pennsylvania. FL MFT approval qualifies as core content for GA MFT according to GA Rule 135-9-.01.5.c. Verify with the board in your state.

Bookshelf to Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bookshelf to Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Important: Following the purchase of this course you must register for the recorded session using the GoToWebinar link emailed to the email address you had provided when you set up your Bookshelf to Couch account. Check all your email folders for this email.

Programming Level

Introductory level of programming is designed for participants who wish to become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods and perspectives related to this topic. It is also relevant for participants who wish to refresh their knowledge with the most current evidence and practice from the experts. It may be used as a foundational base for advanced learning. Introductory programs typically focus on breadth, enrichment and general knowledge.  Note: Anyone is welcome to enroll in any of our courses regardless of the level of programming of the course.

To learn more about how Course Programming levels are determined, visit our FAQ page.

Your Instructor

AASECT Core Knowledge Area:

Area H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.

Area I: Range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic including, but not limited to, common issues such as: desire discrepancy, lack of desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal, sexual pain, penetration problems and difficulty with orgasm.

Next Steps:

Course Information: