Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Training, Mentoring and Supervision
Dr. Michela David
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Michela David
Ph.D., C.Psych
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training, Mentoring and Supervision
Hello and Welcome.
Thank you for visiting this site. I am Michela David, a clinical psychologist based in Kingston, Ontario.
If you are looking for training to enhance your skills as a therapist, or as an aspiring therapist, I very much hope I can be of help to you. I have decades of experience as a clinician, teacher, mentor and supervisor, and I am certified with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. My passion is experiential learning, and my teaching style is warm and interactive. I offer courses and workshops, as well as mentoring and supervision.
I am also an experienced keynote presenter, and have worked with managers and organizations to enhance their mental health and therapy knowledge and clinician training programs.
If you have interest in learning more about what I can offer you in your therapist career path, or your organization, please browse these pages and feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
Please note that if you are looking for personal therapy, I am sorry I do not have a private practice, but we are fortunate to have many excellent, experienced therapists in the Kingston area.
Services.
I offer training and mentoring in cognitive behavioural therapy and group therapy techniques for trainees and therapists who want to further develop their skills. My emphasis is on practical skills acquisition, experiential learning, and helping you to become an effective and collaborative therapist. I encourage focused discussion, stuck points and challenges, and case scenarios. I offer this in both individual and small group (up to 6) format. Under this arrangement, you remain responsible for your clients’ care.
Some people are looking for formal supervision, whereby I assume responsibility for your clients’ care. This may be to work towards supervision requirements for registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, or you may be a licensed professional seeking supervision in cognitive behavioural therapy skills and techniques. This is something that I take very seriously, and warrants a manageable caseload that is within my scope of practice (adult/clinical), frequent and regular meetings, formal record keeping and a signed Supervision Agreement, as per the Standards of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
If you are interested in training or supervision, please contact me with a brief description of your needs.
I offer mentoring and training for small groups, and will also customize my courses and workshops for your group’s needs. I have done extensive training across Canada, including teleconferencing, and am very willing to travel. Contact me with your questions and ideas.
I have worked with many organizations seeking specialized training for their clinicians, better mental health understanding and training for managers and stakeholders, and keynote addresses. Previous topics and common themes include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:
- cognitive behavioural therapy skills and applications
- cognitive behavioural therapy applications in rehabilitation setting
- cognitive behavioural therapy applications in return-to-work
- managing severe symptoms and characterological challenges
Group Therapy:
- group therapy skills and dynamics
- putting the power of group therapy to work for your clients
- group therapy applications in rehabilitation settings
Mood Disorders:
- darkness at work: recognizing and managing depression in the workplace
- seasonal depression and light therapy
- anxiety and depression in the workplace
- recovery from depression and anxiety, and relapse management
- recovery and returning to work after anxiety and depression
- suicide intervention skills
- mental illness and stigma
Courses and Workshops.
See Upcoming Events for courses currently being offered. The following course/workshop topics are offered on a rotating basis, and are also available for private group training, in Kingston, Ontario or elsewhere. See Full Course List for more details, or Contact me for fees and additional questions.
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Balanced Approach
- Intermediate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques: Building on the Fundamentals
- Cognitive Therapy Skills for Groups: Making Your Group Collaborative and Effective
- Challenges in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Breaking the Chains: CBT for Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression: Moving Beyond Symptoms and Back to Life
- CBT Applications in Rehabilitation
Upcoming Events:
NEW POSTINGS!
Course Format and Schedule:
October 23, 2024 – October 24, 2024
9:30 am – 4:00 pm EST
NOTE: This training is best suited to those who have some experience and/or a basic level of training in CBT, and who want to build on that knowledge. This course follows directly from the Fundamentals course. It has been adapted for a virtual format, and includes videos and live demonstrations.
Full Course List
Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Balanced Approach
Course Description:
This two-day course offers a practical, hands-on approach to learning basic cognitive behavioural therapy skills, including thought records, the five-part model, agendas and basic elements of Socratic dialogue. These techniques are applicable to the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders, including psychosis. The course emphasizes collaborative techniques, including interactive writing, balancing structure and bond, and goal setting. Join us to acquire some useful skills in a no-fault environment.
Comments from Previous Attendees:
- “Presenter was knowledgeable and caring – poised and eloquent, dynamic”
- “I wanted a fundamentals course and this was perfect!”
- “Clear and concise”
- “Very informative”
- “Beautifully presented with interest and enthusiasm”
- “Great learning experience”
- “So worthwhile!”
- “Strong, interesting presenter with a great deal of knowledge and skill”
Who Should Attend:
- Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and family physicians, or graduate students/medical residents with clinical experience and good basic therapeutic skill
- Clinicians who have an interest in using basic cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in a clinical setting
- Previous experience with cognitive therapy is not necessary. Participants with CBT knowledge may find this practical approach helpful
Intermediate CBT Techniques: Building on the Fundamentals
Course Description:
This two-day course takes an in-depth look at cognitive case conceptualization, thought record challenges and case examples, and introduces deeper levels of thinking in the form of underlying assumptions and core beliefs / schemas. Behavioural techniques include the use of activity schedules to encourage behavioural change, and the set-up and debriefing of behavioural experiments. Interventions are linked to effective case conceptualization. Skills in Socratic dialogue are developed and emphasized throughout.
Comments from Previous Attendees:
- “Wonderful presenter. I would recommend her to anyone”
- “A springboard for my practice”
- “Fabulous presenter. Clear, professional and personable”
- “Stimulating and practical”
- “Wonderful course. Loved every minute of it”
- “Michela’s passion for CBT is palpable. A rich and extremely worthwhile workshop”
Who Should Attend:
- Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and family physicians, or graduate students/medical residents with clinical experience and good basic therapeutic skill
- Clinicians who have an interest in using basic cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in a clinical setting
- Previous experience with cognitive therapy is not necessary. Participants with CBT knowledge may find this practical approach helpful
Cognitive Therapy Skills for Groups:
Making Your Group Collaborative and Effective
Course Description:
This two-day course assumes a basic knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as a general familiarity with group therapy. It explores the benefits of CBT in a group setting, as well as the application of specific CBT techniques, with a strong emphasis on the group process issues that can challenge even seasoned therapists. Includes discussion of group selection and set-up; setting group agendas; capturing client strengths and resilience; tips for enhancing collaboration, including socratic dialogue; and using common CBT tools and behavioural interventions in a group setting. Common therapist errors and dealing with challenges will be discussed, including dealing with high emotion and empathic breaks.
Comments from Previous Attendees:
- “Very interactive; engaging”
- “Stimulated our appetite to look at groups with renewed interest”
- “I had so many moments of realization”
- “This has, without question, been one of the best workshops I have ever had the opportunity to participate in”
Who Should Attend:
- Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and family physicians, or graduate students / residents with clinical experience and good therapeutic skills
- Clinicians who wish to advance their skills in using cognitive behavioural therapy in a group setting
- Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Balanced Approach, or similar introductory course and/or some basic CBT experience is recommended. Some familiarity with group therapy is helpful
Challenges in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Course Description:
This two-day course assumes at least an intermediate knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The themes for this course arose from many years of supervising therapists and listening to the common difficulties that they face. It will provide intermediate and advanced CBT therapists with practical skills to deal with challenges such as: conceptualizing more complex cases; moving forward when therapy gets derailed; tuning in to therapist reactions; recognizing and working with avoidance; responding to negative client feedback; using effective therapist stance and Socratic dialogue to get past therapy hurdles, dealing with high levels of emotion, and managing fears of relapse.
Comments from Previous Attendees:
- “Amazing!”
- “Very interesting and engaging”
- “Almost seemed like this course was planned for my caseload”
- “I appreciated the focus on practical skills and tips”
- “A nice balance of discussions, information presented, videos and opportunities for asking questions”
- “Exceptionally organized”
Who Should Attend:
- This course is designed for mental health professionals, therapists, or graduate students/residents with at least an intermediate level of knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy, and some clinical skill and experience
- Clinicians who wish to advance their skills in using cognitive behavioural therapy with more challenging cases
- Prerequisite: Intermediate Cognitive Therapy Techniques: Building on the Fundamentals, or similar intermediate level course and/or some experience with CBT is strongly recommended
Breaking the Chains: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety
Course Description:
This two-day course looks at cognitive behavioural therapy skills for anxiety and stress-related disorders. It emphasizes an understanding of why we need anxiety, how the body reacts to it, and how that natural defence gets over-revved. Participants will be introduced to the anxiety equation, and how CBT techniques can help clients to reduce their sense of danger and increase their ability to cope. The importance of imagery, as well as understanding learning and conditioning models in layperson terms, will be examined. This course teaches CBT skills for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including understanding the role that metacognitive beliefs play in worry. Participants will learn protocols for panic disorder, including interoceptive and in vivo exposure techniques. Fear of driving is looked at as a case example. The course also looks at the factors that increase the likelihood of the development of post-traumatic stress, as well as CBT skills to treat it.
Who Should Attend:
- Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and family physicians, or graduate students/residents with clinical experience and good therapeutic skills
- Clinicians who wish to advance their skills in using cognitive behavioural therapy in a clinical setting, with a particular focus on anxiety disorders
- Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Balanced Approach or similar introductory course and/or some experience with cognitive therapy is strongly recommended
CBT Applications in Rehabilitation
Course Description:
This 3-day course combines one day of fundamentals with two days of intermediate cognitive behavioural therapy skills, with a specific emphasis on applications in a rehabilitation setting and preparing clients for returning to work. It includes balancing structure and bond, examining client and therapist issues that can thwart progress; fostering collaboration; setting goals that align with client and organization; and using the five-part model in rehabilitation settings to integrate physical problems with mental health challenges. The collaborative technique is continually emphasized, including interactive writing, encouraging clients with constructive language, and Socratic dialogue. The course examines applications including thought records, activity schedules, behavioural experiments, all with examples from rehabilitation settings. Integration with the workplace is also discussed.
Who Should Attend:
- Mental health professionals, including trainees, with clinical experience and good basic therapeutic skill, who are working in a rehabilitation setting
- Previous experience with cognitive therapy is not necessary. Participants with prior CBT knowledge may find this practical approach helpful and may prefer to attend days 2 & 3 only
Custom Workshops
Course Description:
I am very willing to adapt workshops to fit the training needs of your group. Contact me with your ideas and needs.
About Michela.
Credentials:
Dr. Michela David Ph.D C.Psych. is a Clinical Psychologist in Kingston, Ontario. She is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), which is widely considered to be the gold standard in CBT certification. She is also credentialled with the Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT).
Michela has extensive teaching experience as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Clinical Supervisor in the Psychology and Psychiatry Departments at Queen’s University. She has twice received the Queen’s Department of Psychology Award for Clinical Supervision, and is a past recipient of the Queen’s University Department of Psychology Graduate Teaching Award.
Experience:
Michela has over three decades of clinical experience as a therapist using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques both individually and in groups. Most of her work has been helping individuals with severe and complex mood and anxiety disorders. She has a strong interest in illness recovery, and in helping individuals to get back to life and work.
Michela is a seasoned supervisor and mentor, offering trainees and other professionals the opportunity to become more effective therapists. In this role, she has worked with individuals and groups in primary care, tertiary care, inpatient and outpatient settings, family health teams, public health, corrections, police services, private practice and rehabilitation. She has formal mentoring and leadership experience as a professional practice leader, and was a master trainer for the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program through Livingworks Education.
She has university teaching experience in both psychology and psychiatry, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, She has been leading courses and workshops for over a decade, and has presented workshops and keynote addresses across Canada, with excellent reviews.