Part 1 (Noon to 1 pm). Overview of CBTs for SUDs

The lunchtime presentation (Part 1) will review the basic components of CBTs for SUDs:

• Why “CBT” is not really a unitary (singular) approach

• Consider the variety of CBTs for SUDs: from Relapse Prevention to Community Reinforcement to Behavioral Couples Therapy to ACT

• How understanding the functions of substance use can aid in preventing relapse

• Why mainstream CBT is trending in the direction of “third wave behavioral” approaches

We will start to consider less control-based strategies drawn from ACT and mindfulness-based therapies, which will be discussed in more detail in Part 2 (1-2 pm).

Learning Objectives (Part 1, Noon to 1 pm)

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize and differentiate the basic components (the C and the B) of CBT.

2. Summarize a more helpful way to discuss “risk” (for relapse) with clients.

3. Explain the value in understanding the “function” of substance use for a client.

Presenter Bio

Joel Guarna, PhD is a licensed psychologist in the state of Maine. He started his career in mental health working as an addictions counselor over 30 years ago. His graduate studies focused on alcohol and addictions and he earned his PhD from Bowling Green State University in 2000. He trained at the Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology with his primary rotation in a residential addictions treatment program. He later served as a staff psychologist in the VA Healthcare System in Boston, treating individual veterans, couples, and their families in an outpatient addictions treatment program at the Brockton VAMC. He holds a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) certification through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. Since relocating to Maine twenty years ago, his practice has broadened to include a variety of medical settings including MaineHealth Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Scarborough and as Behavioral Health Faculty Lead in the MMC Family Medicine Residency Program. He co-directed the Living Life Well Pain Rehabilitation Program at the Mercy Pain Center in Portland for 7 years. Joel ran his private practice in Portland for 18 years. In 2024, he joined Psychology Specialists of Maine (PSM) and serves as the Director of Education and Training. He continues to see a caseload of clients, working as a generalist but also specializing in addictions, chronic health and chronic pain, and serving professionals who work as “helpers” in healthcare and related settings. He teaches through PSM and as a regular lecturer at the MMC Addiction Medicine Fellowship.

Continuing Education

Psychology Specialists of Maine (PSM) has been designated by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists as a pre-approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists in Maine. This program has been approved for 1 (one) CE hour(s) of Category One CE credits.

Our programs are led by experts and specialists who provide advanced clinical training focused on expanding interventions and techniques for therapists in agencies and private practice.

This program was designed to meet the continuing education requirements of psychologists, counselors, and social workers licensed in Maine.

All participants are requested to retain a copy of the event flyer and this Certificate of Completion for documentation when renewing their license.

Need to Cancel?

Please review the Cancellation Policy for this event.