Clinical Topics & Methods Category

Deconstructing Anxiety: Cracking the Code of the 5 Core Fears

3 CE Hours
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About the Course

There are many psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety disorders that have been shown to be effective (Bandelow et al., 2015), with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) generally better than other approaches (van Dis et al., 2020). The Deconstructing Anxiety model is a new synthesis of evidence-based techniques, highlighting the common themes that have been empirically demonstrated as most helpful. This model teaches clinicians how to identify the root causes of anxiety, rather than addressing more superficial layers of the problem. Employing CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness and positive psychology approaches, this model aims to address the resistances that keep anxiety alive, and transform them into a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment. The program presents a method for discovering the single “core fear” (i.e., “schema” in CBT) at the root of all anxiety, helping clients find this core fear when they appropriately deconstruct a problem. Core fears have been proposed for social phobia (Moscovitch, 2009) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Gillihan et al., 2012) and are viewed as necessary to address for treatment to be effective. Psychodynamic theory postulates that we develop our primary defenses to protect ourselves from these fears, but always at a great cost. This leaves us constantly holding vigil, on the lookout for the resurfacing of the threat. When this process spins out of control, an anxiety disorder develops. Various approaches are offered to address the anxiety disorders based on the clinician’s assessment, and include an emphasis on exposure therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness, and a process for taking actions toward a positive future (learned optimism) to enhance “flourishing” and establish “flow.”

This course is based on the recorded webinar, Deconstructing Anxiety: Cracking the Code of the 5 Core Fears created by Todd Pressman, PhD in 2023.

Publication Details

Publication Date: 1st Edition Mar 2023

Course Material Author

Todd Evan Pressman, Ph.D.

Todd Pressman, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and international seminar leader. He is widely known for his work with Deconstructing Anxiety. He graduated with degrees in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and Saybrook Institute. His books Deconstructing Anxiety: The Journey from Fear to Fulfillment, Radical Joy: Awakening Your Potential For True Fulfillment and The Bicycle Repair Shop: A True Story Of Recovery From Multiple Personality Disorder have all received high acclaim. In 1982, he traveled the world to study the great wisdom and healing traditions, including with a Zen master, a Jain family, a Zoroastrian high priest and a Sri Lankan firewalker. His education also includes an internship under Stanislav Grof, M.D. at the Esalen Institute. With a background deeply rooted in tradition (he was groomed by a father whose teachers were taught by Sigmund Freud), he has integrated this wide-ranging experience into a new program of psychological development called "Deconstructing Anxiety". His working model is based on Michelangelo’s ideal: to release the statue from the stone, the authentic Self from the overlays of imposed identity, into the discovery of freedom and fulfillment.

Disclosures

No disclosures to report.

Target Audience

Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Describe the core fear/chief defense model of anxiety.
  2. 2 Analyze the five core fears and the primary and secondary defenses we develop in response to them.
  3. 3 Demonstrate how to identify a client’s unique core fear and chief defense.

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CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Todd Evan Pressman, Ph.D. – No disclosures to report.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

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Course Details

3 CE Hours
Recorded Webinar
Course 103275

Profession Group

  • Behavioral Health

Availability

This course is available until Mar 22nd, 2033.

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