Clinical Case Discussion Workshop
with Jonathan Shedler, PhD
Treating challenging patients:
From case formulation to shared treatment focus
Saturday, January 24, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
3.5 CEs Available - Zoom Only
PROGRAM
This clinical workshop will help therapists navigate treatment challenges and impasses. It focuses on two core skills: 1) developing a clinical case formulation and 2) developing a shared treatment purpose with clients. When therapy stalls or loses direction, the difficulty almost always traces back to these issues.
The workshop will be organized around live case discussion and consultation, including focused role plays to illustrate practical clinical applications. Volunteer participants will present cases for consultation. Didactic teaching will be interwoven with case discussion, with an emphasis on translating clinical concepts into clear, actionable interventions therapist can use in practice.
Key topics include distinguishing the consultation phase from treatment, establishing the therapy frame, treatment contracting, developing a strong working alliance, and using transference and countertransference to work through impasses and deepen the treatment.
PRESENTER
Jonathan Shedler, PhD, is known internationally as an author, clinical consultant, and master teacher. He is best known for his landmark article, “The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy,” which won worldwide acclaim for establishing psychoanalytic therapy as an evidence-based treatment. He is the author of over 100 scholarly articles, creator of the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP) for personality diagnosis and case formulation, and co-author with Nancy McWilliams of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2 and forthcoming PDM-3). Dr. Shedler teaches internationally and consults to mental health professionals, organizations, and government agencies. He is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and a Training and Supervising Analyst at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the three pillars of a working alliance.
2. Distinguish psychotherapy goal from life goals.
3. Describe the relation between working alliance, case formulation, and treatment contracting.
4. Gain a deeper understanding of resolving treatment impasses, through live clinical case discussion and consultation.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION THROUGH 1/19/2026
Payment with a credit card is made through PayPal (REGISTER BUTTON).
If paying by Zelle, our account is linked at: sefapp@gmail.com
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This program, when attended in its entirety, is offered for 3.5 CE credits. SEFAPP is an approved continuing education provider by the Agency for Health Care Administration of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (BAP #587, expires March 31, 2027). The American Psychological Association approves Division 39 to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Division 39 maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Division 39 is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. SEFAPP and Division 39 are committed to conducting all activities conforming with the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns, and any complaints to SEFAPP Administrator at (954) 637-3883.
SEFAPP ADMIN OFFICE: 4800 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 203A, Boca Raton, FL 33431
PHONE/FAX: 954-637-3883 EMAIL: office@sefapp.org WEBSITE: www.sefapp.org
