Cognitive therapy has received extensive empirical support over the years and has accumulated a large body of research attesting to its efficacy for a range of psychiatric and medical problems. Aaron T. Beck, the founder of cognitive therapy, will discuss a range of topics regarding cognitive theory and therapy with his daughter and fellow psychotherapist, Dr. Judy Beck. Without powerpoints and without scripts, Drs. Beck will take their seats for an informal and interactive armchair conversation about the origins and future direction of cognitive therapy. In addition to soliciting questions from the audience, they will cover the evolution of the cognitive theory over the years as well as the latest applications, particularly in relation to Dr. Beck's recent work with low-functioning schizophrenia. They will discuss the various research and the empirical evidence for the more recent modifications of cognitive therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, as well as the theoretical underpinnings for the generic cognitive model.

Dr. Beck joined the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pennsylvania in 1954 and is University Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry. He initially conducted research into the psychoanalytic theories of depression until he developed a different theoretical-clinical approach that he labeled cognitive therapy. Since 1959 he has directed funded research investigations of the psychopathology of depression, suicide, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse, personality disorders, and schizophrenia and of the cognitive therapy of these disorders. His current work focuses on disseminating empirically tested cognitive therapy treatments into community settings to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of these therapies when implemented in real-world settings. He has developed the Beck Initiative, an innovative collaborative relationship with the City of Philadelphia's Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services to train community therapists to conduct cognitive therapy. In addition, he is investigating cognitive therapy treatment for schizophrenia. He has published over 580 articles and authored or co-authored 24 books. He has been listed as one of the "10 individuals who shaped the face of American Psychiatry" and the most influential psychotherapist among mental health professionals.

What Are You Going to Do When You Grow Up?
Career Paths for the Cognitive Behavior Therapist

Martin Antony, Ryerson University

Sonja Batten, Department of Veteran Affairs

Thöstur Björgvinsson, Houston OCD Program, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Kristene Doyle, Albert Ellis Institute

Jonathan Grayson, Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center of Philadelphia

Mitchell L. Schare, Hofstra University

Hilary Vidair, Long Island University, C.W. Post

After spending what seemed (or still seems) like a lifetime surviving graduate school, you are suddenly faced with the realization that it's not over. Before you is the overwhelming task of trying to figure out what you are going to actually do and how you are going to get there. Or you may have that first job and are wondering, Is there a different professional career that would be a better fit?

ABCT is committed to helping its members find their niche and grow into the professionals they want to be. The goal of this panel is to present early-career professionals (e.g., those who have or are about to complete graduate school, junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows) with the broad range of settings available to them and the steps needed to pursue their dreams.

The panelists represent a range of settings, including a training institute, private practice, an intensive inpatient program, medical school, university faculty, and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Based on their experiences, the panelists will share their knowledge about these specific settings. Besides their extensive experience working in their respective settings, all of the panelists have mentored and provided career guidance to countless young professionals; they will share their expertise about what should be (or should not be) on your job application, your CV, cover letter, Facebook page, how to interview, how and when to negotiate, and more. The panel will conclude with a question-and-answer session and will discuss mentorship possibilities within ABCT.

Report of the Inter-Organizational Task Force on Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology Doctoral Education

Robert K. Klepac, Co-Chair of the Task Force, President of ABCT

Frank Andrasik, ABCT

Cynthia Belar, American Psychological Association, Education Directorate

Linda W. Craighead, Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology

James Herbert, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

George F. Ronan, Co-Chair of the Task Force, American Board of Professional Psychology & ABCT Committee on Affiliations and Specializations

Timothy J. Strauman, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science

Dissemination is one of the top priorities for ABCT. Dissemination efforts now target both future and current heath care providers. In 2010, professional associations that emphasize CBT doctoral psychology education were invited to nominate a member to an ABCT sponsored Inter-Organizational Task Force on Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology Doctoral Education. The inaugural meeting was held in March 2011, monthly teleconferences followed, and a report was finalized in a meeting held in January, 2012. Task force members and sponsoring organizations included those identified above and the following: Kevin Arnold, Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology Specialty Council; Sharon Berry, Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers; Karen Christoff, Academic Training Committee; Michael J. Dougher, Association for Behavior Analysis International; E. Thomas Dowd, American Board of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology; Lynn McFarr, Academy for Cognitive Therapy; Shireen Rizvi, International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy; and Eric M. Sauer, Association of Psychology Training Clinics. When resolving controversies, task force members relied first on published research evidence and, when data were scarce or nonexistent, well-reasoned extrapolations. As of April 1, 2012, fifteen of the sixteen sponsoring organizations had already endorsed the resulting document, titled "Guidelines for Doctoral Psychology Programs Incorporating Cognitive and Behavioral Education and Training." The panel will summarize the background and assumptions that influenced the development of the guidelines, outline the recommended competencies, and present plans for disseminating the recommendations. Task force members will discuss audience-generated questions.