DPA - Delaware Psychological Association

Upcoming events

    • November 07, 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • November 08, 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach, Delaware
    Register


    DPA's 22nd Annual Convention

    In Person Workshop (No Virtual Option)

    Presented by Dr. Sarah Haider

    See full program brochure.




    Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8th, 2024

    Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach, DE


    We are accepting poster presentations here.

    Interested in Sponsoring Convention? Read more here.

    Book your discounted room here. You may also call to make a reservation at 1-855-429-9565 and ask for the Delaware Psychological Association rate. The group code is G-DPA2.

     
    The group rate is $135/night for a standard king or queen/queen room type. The cut-off date to book rooms is October 17th, 2023. After that date, the group rate is not guaranteed at the hotel.

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    Getting Stuck in Anxiety Treatment?: A Fresh Approach to Managing Anxiety and OCD

    9 continuing education credits for attending both days (4.5 EDI and 2 Ethics)

    • Thursday 1:00-3:00pm (2 CEs, 2 EDI, 1 Ethics))

      Anxiety and OCD Across the Lifespan

      Course outline:

      Attendees will become familiar with both the lived experience of the major anxiety diagnoses, as well as how they present clinically in session. Attendees will learn how each diagnosis presents across the lifespan, including consideration of hormonal shifts. The presenter will analyze the impact of the pandemic on anxiety prevalence, symptom presentation and treatment. Considerations of ethics, culture and diversity will be addressed as they relate to both diagnosis and treatment. For this talk, GAD, Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety and School Phobia, Panic Disorder, and OCD will be addressed directly. 

      Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

    • 1.      Identify at least two ways that each diagnosis may present clinically in session, above and beyond DSM criteria
    • 2.     Depending on stage of lifespan, determine how the diagnosis may present differently 
    • 3.     Revise standard treatment interventions to better serve minority groups
    • 4.     Describe two ethical considerations associated with virtual versus in-person therapy
    • Thursday 3:15-4:15pm (1 CE)

      When, What, Why and How?: Utilizing Apps in Anxiety Treatment

      Course outline:

      Utilizing Technology can aide therapeutic outcomes for patients with anxiety. This talk aims to demystify the logistical and practical components of incorporating app usage into regular therapy sessions. Attendees will learn when and why it is useful to incorporate apps into treatment planning. Several apps will be reviewed so that attendees can begin to consider which app is right for their patient; attendees will also be given guidance on how to find and explore new apps in this ever-evolving forum. Sample session agendas will be shared for reference as attendees consider how to design a treatment plan that allows for apps to serve as an adjunct to therapy. Ethical considerations, including HIPPA compliance, will be addressed. Not all apps are made equal, and attendees will be encouraged to revise the apps they choose based on equity, diversity and inclusion.

      Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

    • 1.     Determine at least three circumstances where apps may aide treatment outcome
    • 2.     Compile a list of four or more apps that benefit people with anxiety
    • 3.     Design a session agenda that includes app usage as well as traditional interventions 
    • Friday 8:30-9:30 (1 CE)

      Nuances of Social Anxiety

      Course outline:

      Social anxiety is a prevalent and often misunderstood diagnosis. A person with social anxiety perceives near constant judgment or criticism regardless of whether it is present. A socially anxious person also overvalues the judgement or criticism. The person suffering from social anxiety often operates from a core assumption that they are unable to tolerate the judgement or criticism. Addressing the cognitive components of social anxiety without first treating this core assumption often leads to less meaningful treatment gains. This talk will delve into specific behavioral interventions and “social rejection exposures” that bring relief for patients with social anxiety. The talk will address how to plan meaningful social exposures that account for ethical considerations. 

      Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

    • 1.     Identify the surface level cognitions and core underlying fear associated with social performance anxiety
    • 2.     Plan appropriate social rejection exposures
    • 3.     Utilize automatic thought records to address distorted thoughts associated with social anxiety
    • Friday 9:45-11:45 (2 CEs (1 EDI, 1 Ethics))

      Bring it On! A “How To” Guide for Conducting Exposures

      Course outline:

      Exposure-based therapy is the cutting edge treatment for most anxiety disorders, yet many therapists report feeling uncomfortable utilizing exposure treatment in their practice. Those who engage in exposure-based therapy without proper training often feel frustrated because their patients make little progress, and may even refuse to engage in the process. This talk will briefly elaborate on the etiology of OCD and anxiety diagnoses that require exposures as part of treatment, and explain how exposures retrain our nervous system. Attendees will then learn which exposures are the best fit for the patient based on their diagnosis, stage of treatment, and other relevant considerations. Finally, attendees will determine how to correct for exposures that are ineffective in the session, and what to do when exposure treatment appears to be ineffective over time. Cultural and ethical considerations of selecting exposure protocols will be referenced throughout the talk. 

      Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

      1. Differentiate three types of exposures and when to use them in treatment, based on ethical considerations

      2. Incorporate the three core components of intensity, frequency and duration when creating exposure protocols  

      3. Acquire four strategies to utilize when an exposure protocol is ineffective

      4. Predict at least two ways that cultural background may impact the exposure protocol selection

      Friday 12:45-2:15 (1.5 CEs)

      Pediatric Anxiety: Coaching Parents to Calm Their Child’s Anxious Mind

      Course outline:

      The severity and prevalence of pediatric anxiety has skyrocketed in recent years, and more children and families are seeking therapy. A systems-based approach to treatment is critical; when we involve parents in their children’s interventions, the treatment is more effective, and gains are more sustainable. This talk will highlight broad approaches to help parents support their anxious child, as well as specific language suggestions for parents. This talk will provide relevant information for therapists working with parents who join their child’s sessions, as well as adult patients in individual therapy who seek advice from their therapists on how to best support their anxious child. Ethical and cultural considerations will be addressed in this lecture. 

    • Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

      1.  Identify three factors within a child’s worldview that could impact anxiety 

      2.  Determine at least three shifts in the home environment that can reduce a child’s anxiety  

      3. Recite at least five phrases that demonstrate validation techniques for parents of children with anxiety 

      4. Utilize at least four concrete methods that parents can use to calm themselves, in order to calm their child  

      Friday 2:30-4:00 (1.5 EDI CEs)

      Unmasking Autism: Untangling Implications of Autism within Anxiety Treatment

      Course outline:

      Although one in 50 adults and one in 36 children have been diagnosed with Autism, most psychologists do not receive training to incorporate strategies necessary for treatment of Autistic individuals. Autistic people who learn to expertly “mask” their differences often present in treatment without any obvious visible indication of Autism, which further complicates intervention for well-intentioned but ill-equipped therapists. This talk is designed to give a broad overview of how a person’s Autism symptoms may impact their anxiety diagnosis. This talk is also designed to help therapists create useful and successful strategies to promote healing, rather than adopt a “treatment as usual” approach which may stall effective treatment or inadvertently harm the Autistic patient. 

      Learning objectives:

      At the end of this lecture, attendees will be able to:

    • 1.     Attendees will be able to determine at least five observable symptoms that demonstrate Level 1 Autism
    • 2.     Attendees will be able to describe at least three internal experiences of Level 1 Autism
    • 3.     Using a trauma-informed approach, attendees will identify at least three facets of treatment as usual that may cause harm for the Autistic person
    • 4.     Attendees will gain at least four concrete treatment methods to use with Autistic people who are seeking therapy for a comorbid diagnosis. 

    PRESENTER BIO

    Dr. Haider has specialized in treatment of pediatric anxiety, OCD and behavioral problems for nearly two decades. She founded Gameplan Therapy after recognizing the need for more OCD treatment providers in Denver, shortly after she moved to the area from Los Angeles. She is passionate about ensuring that patients and their families are educated about evidenced-based treatment for anxiety and OCD. She continues to maintain a California-based caseload and has been leading virtual exposures since 2013, well before the pandemic. 

    Of particular interest to Dr. Haider is the impact of comorbid neurodivergent diagnoses on exposure-based treatment, such as ADHD, giftedness and Autism. In addition to CBT and exposure-based therapies, she has extensive training in biofeedback and a knowledge of the mind-body connection. She also has a background in school psychology and is keenly aware of the impact anxiety can have on school and work.

    Dr. Haider has served on the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Board (LACPA), chaired the LACPA Convention, and lead the LACPA CBT Special Interest Group for eight years. She presents regularly at local and national conventions, conferences, teacher in-services, and parent trainings provided by schools and within the community. She is featured regularly in podcasts and magazines. Additionally, she has facilitated and led well over one hundred community-based lectures.

      Past events

      September 21, 2024 Wellness Retreat for Mental Health Providers
      August 26, 2024 Understanding and Addressing Collective Trauma in 2024: Treating Stressors from COVID-19, Racism, Inflation, and Other Psychological Adversities
      August 12, 2024 Psychological First Aid
      June 28, 2024 The Role of Psychology in Addressing Pain and Related Opioid Dependence
      May 31, 2024 Navigating Social Media Relationships: Parasocial to Self-Image and Everything in Between
      April 17, 2024 Screening of What About Our KIDS?
      March 08, 2024 COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Youth: Pathways, Opportunities, and Interventions
      November 09, 2023 DPA's 21st Annual Convention
      October 26, 2023 Connecting the Dots Listening Series: Racism, Education, and Mental Health – Part 3: Fostering Healing and Promoting Restoration
      October 13, 2023 Firearm Injury Prevention for Behavioral Health Providers
      September 18, 2023 Group Therapy with Clients with Long COVID
      August 30, 2023 How COVID Impacts People and Your Practice
      June 23, 2023 Neuropsychological Manifestations of Long COVID: Part 3 of the Long COVID Series for Mental Health Professionals
      June 16, 2023 Telepsych and PSYPACT
      May 31, 2023 Long Covid: Research, Treatments, and Recommendations, Part 2 of the Long Covid Series for Mental Health Professionals
      May 12, 2023 Sequence XII: Navigating Challenging Conversations: Ethics and Risk Management
      April 28, 2023 Use of Attachment-based Family Therapy for Adolescents Struggling with Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
      April 14, 2023 An Introduction to Long COVID for Mental Health Professionals
      March 31, 2023 An Evidence-Based Approach to Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
      February 10, 2023 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Challenging Times
      January 27, 2023 The Minds, Lives, and Motivations of Mass Attackers
      November 11, 2022 DPA's Annual Convention: Embracing Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylees through Trauma Informed Care
      September 09, 2022 Two Trains Running: Whiteness and Racism in Psychotherapy
      August 26, 2022 Don't Let the "TR" Fool You: The DSM-5-TR is Far More Than a Text Revision
      June 17, 2022 HIPAA, Encryption, and the Thorny, Not-Always-Clear Regulations Around Email and Texting
      June 10, 2022 Digital Tools/Software – How to Choose Really Great Stuff and avoid the Not-So-Great
      June 03, 2022 What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR?)
      May 20, 2022 Equipping psychologists to advocate for LGBQT+ youth in our communities and beyond.
      May 06, 2022 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) 2-Day Workshop
      February 22, 2022 Potential Pathways to Practice in Neuropsychology
      February 18, 2022 Ethical Myths and Mysteries
      February 17, 2022 DPA Members Town Hall: Discuss End of Life Options Bill
      February 04, 2022 A Conversation about Blackness, Whiteness, Psychology, and Humanity
      November 06, 2021 DPA's Annual Convention with Dr. Courtois - SATURDAY ONLY. Sexual Boundary Violations in Psychotherapy: Facing Indiscretions, Transgressions, and Misconduct.
      November 05, 2021 DPA's Annual Convention with Dr. Courtois - FULL CONFERENCE - (Friday and Saturday Discounted Rate)
      November 05, 2021 DPA's Annual Convention with Dr. Courtois - FRIDAY ONLY. Innovations in Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders: The PRISM Meta-Model and Its Application.
      September 10, 2021 Understanding and Treating Racial Trauma
      June 04, 2021 The Trust Presents...Sequence X: Perplexing Problems in Psychological Practice: Decision Science, Ethics & Risk Management
      May 14, 2021 Clinician’s Guide to Psychological Treatments for Chronic Pain in Kids, Teens, and Young Adults: A Skills Based Workshop
      April 23, 2021 Principles of Forensic Psychology: National and Local Perspectives
      February 19, 2021 Ethical & Clinical Assessment & Intervention with Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in Children, Adolescents, and Adults
      January 29, 2021 Working with Transgender and Gender Expansive (TGGE) Youth: Ethical and Practical Considerations
      November 06, 2020 DPA Annual Convention: All Psychologists Should Strive to be Anti-Racists: Using the Crawford Bias Reduction Theory & Training (CBRT) to Reduce Bias, Prejudice & Racism
      November 06, 2020 DPA Annual Meeting for Members
      October 23, 2020 Diabetes and Mental Health
      September 25, 2020 Transitioning from the War on Childhood Obesity to the Battle for Body Diversity: Strategies for Reducing Weight Stigma in Pediatrics
      July 14, 2020 Talking with Children about Race and Identity: Considerations for Providers and Caregivers
      June 05, 2020 Telehealth-based CBT for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Challenges and Opportunities
      April 17, 2020 Practice and Ethics for Using Animals in Therapy
      November 08, 2019 DPA Annual Convention
      June 07, 2019 The Trust presents: Ethics and Risk Management in Complex Clinical Conundrums
      April 12, 2019 Evidence-Based Assessment of Learning Disabilities and ADHD in Older Adolescents and Adults
      March 08, 2019 HB 302: The Intended and Unintended Consequences of Delaware's New Gun Law, A Legal and Ethical Discussion
      November 09, 2018 DPA Annual Convention - Using Emotionally Focused Therapy with Difficult Clients: Application to Individual and Couples Therapy
      June 01, 2018 CE Workshop - Awareness, Identification & Management of Culture-based Countertransference
      May 04, 2018 CE Workshop - Theaters of the Mind; The Psychodynamics of Dream Process
      March 16, 2018 Mindfulness for Clients and Ourselves: Concepts, Benefits, and Practices
      November 10, 2017 DPA Annual Convention: Treating Complex Trauma and Paying Attention to Your Own Self-Care
      September 08, 2017 Developing and REsearching Advanced Models of Integrated Primary Care (DREAM IPC Conference)
      August 25, 2017 Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR)
      June 16, 2017 CE Workshop - Beyond the Basics of Sleep
      May 12, 2017 CE Workshop - The Trust presents: Legal and Ethical Risks and Risk Management in Professional Psychological Practice Sequence VII: Working with Couples and Families, Risk Management with the Suicidal Patient, and Legal and Ethical Issues
      April 28, 2017 CE Workshop - Minimizing Health Disparities
      April 07, 2017 Issues Arising in Cases of Parental Alienation
      March 17, 2017 CE Workshop - What Every Psychologist Needs to Know About Law
      February 23, 2017 Mentor Mentee Mixer
      December 02, 2016 The Trust's Ethics and Risk Management Webinar: "The Affordable Care Act and Professional Psychology: Everything You Didn't Want to Know and Were Afraid to Ask"
      October 21, 2016 DPA Annual Convention - Interpersonal Treatment of Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues: Integrating Neurobiology, Attachment, Affect Regulation and Clinical Conundrums
      September 09, 2016 Down State Social
      June 10, 2016 Psychopharmacology Update Children, Teens & Adults
      March 11, 2016 "Reporting Child Abuse: The Legal Mandate"
      October 23, 2015 DPA Annual Convention - Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: The Business Case, the Skills Needed, and the Future
      June 12, 2015 Ethics and Risk Management in the Age of The Affordable Care Act: Everything You Didn't Want to Know and Were Afraid to Ask
      May 02, 2015 13th Annual NAMI Delaware Walk
      April 30, 2015 Interdisciplinary Integrated Care Forum
      April 17, 2015 Introduction to WISC-V
      February 27, 2015 CBT for Pediatric Anxiety and Related Conditions
      December 05, 2014 Executive Council Annual Planning Meeting
      October 24, 2014 DPA Annual Convention - Developmental Milestones and Clinical Practice with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Sexually-Fluid Individuals
      October 03, 2014 Executive Council Meeting
      October 02, 2014 DPA Members Downstate Social
      September 05, 2014 Executive Council Meeting
      August 01, 2014 Executive Council Meeting
      July 11, 2014 Executive Council Meeting
      June 13, 2014 Sussex County - Boundaries, Borders, and Multiplicities in Psychotherapy: Ethics and Professionalism for Psychologists
      June 13, 2014 New Castle County - Boundaries, Borders, and Multiplicities in Psychotherapy: Ethics and Professionalism for Psychologists
      May 16, 2014 CE Workshop - Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Theory, Practice, and Strategies to Enhance Distress Tolerance
      May 03, 2014 12th Annual NAMI Delaware Walk
      March 14, 2014 Executive Council Meeting
      March 07, 2014 Continuing Education Workshop: "Treating Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
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