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Taming the Amygdala
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Exposure therapy is proven to be highly effective for treating anxiety, fear, and panic, but it’s often perceived as difficult for clients, and few therapists use this essential technique in their practice. However, neuroscience has shown that simple exposure procedures change the brain’s fear circuitry in powerful ways that traditional therapy does not. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to motivate clients to embrace the challenging exposure process, design effective exposure experiences that change neural circuitry, and uncover and work with hidden fears. You’ll also learn how to:
- Give clients easy-to-understand explanations of how the amygdala functions during exposure and how they can actually control these functions
- Identify and change clients’ beliefs about fear, anxiety, and panic that often undermine exposure work
- Pinpoint and address different triggers during exposure to develop a plan for monitoring anxiety
- Teach clients to manage anxiety and address safety signals
Catherine Pittman, PhD, HSPP, Saint Mary's College
Catherine Pittman, PhD, HSPP, is a professor of psychology at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Dr. Pittman is the author of the popular books Rewire the Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry (New Harbinger Publications) and Taming Your Amygdala (PESI Publishing & Media). She has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, neuropsychology, fear-conditioning research, and has treated anxiety-based disorders in clinical practice for over 25 years.
Dr. Pittman’s experience makes her uniquely qualified to provide a clear understanding of neuroscience and how that informs the selection and application of successful anxiety treatment strategies. She is recognized for her clear, accessible explanations of the role of the amygdala, and her approaches to lifestyle change and cognitive restructuring that help motivate clients to be more engaged and motivated in therapy. Dr. Pittman regularly presents workshops at national conferences and webinars on anxiety treatment and is an active member of the public education committee of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Catherine Pittman maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Saint Mary's College. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Pittman receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Catherine Pittman is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Rachel Hiraldo, LPCC
Rachel Hiraldo, LPCC, is the owner of Vivify Counseling and Wellness, based in the Cincinnati area, primarily treating adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She’s a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional specializing in working with anxiety disorders.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Rachel Hiraldo maintains a private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Rachel Hiraldo has no relevant non-financial relationships.
