SIG | Cognitive and Behavioral Treatment for Epilepsy: Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Applications for Patients and Caregivers

Monday, December 6, 2021
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OVERVIEW:

This Special Interest Group examines the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy in the adult and pediatric patient and caregiver population.  

The session begins with a brief didactic presentation on adult epilepsy comorbidities, the role of the caregiver with adult and children with epilepsy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) applications in these distinct populations. This is followed by two pediatric epilepsy psychologists on the role of individual and group treatment and family education in the outpatient setting. The speakers address current models, evidence-informed practice, research gaps, and future directions.  

The second portion of the session is dedicated to pediatric and adult skill development using small group exercises focused on receiving instruction, observing modeling, and practicing. Using the four key aspects of CBT, the exercises highlight creating patient and caregiver buy-in, relaxation strategies, thought challenging, and behavioral activation. The SIG concludes with a group discussion focused on activity debriefing, Q&A with the invited speakers, resource sharing, and generation of new paths forward.

Learning Objectives:

Following participation in this activity, participants will be able to: 

  • Describe the rationale, evidence base, and applications of CBT with pediatric patients and their caregivers 
  • Utilize CBT-based skills to create therapeutic buy-in with pediatric patients and their caregivers 
  • Educate patients and caregivers by describing and demonstrating three key aspects of CBT (relaxation strategies, thought challenging, and behavioral activation) 

Program:

SIG Coordinators: Erica Johnson, PhD, FAES, Jason A.D. Smith, PhD, ABPP, and Tanya Spruill, PhD 

Chair: Erica Johnson, PhD, FAES 

Welcome and Introductions | Erica Johnson, PhD, FAES 

Pediatric Psychology and Epilepsy – The Role of Intervention and Family Education | Hillary Kimbley, PhD 

An Introduction to CBT – Tips for Recommending CBT and Quick Interventions to Use with Pediatric Epilepsy Patients | Amanda Riisen, PsyD 

Psychological Comorbidities in Epilepsy Across the Lifespan | Jason A.D. Smith, PhD, ABPP 

Activity Type
Special Interest Group
Credit
Non-CME
Format
On-demand
Career Stage
Early Career (typically 0-5 years from completion of training)
Mid-Career (typically 6-15 years from completion of training)
Senior (typically >15 years from completion of training)
Audience
Advanced Practice Providers
Behavioral Health Providers
Clinicians
Fellows/Trainees
Nurses
Pharmacists
Scientists/Researchers
Technicians
Demographic
Clinical
First-time Attendees
Research
Young Professionals