Learn to Apply Tools from Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy
to Build Resilience & Manage Difficult Life Problems
Hosted by Drs. Art & Chris Maguth Nezu
WHAT IS EC-PST?
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EC-PST is the most recent update of a psychosocial treatment program co-developed by Drs. Art and Chris Maguth Nezu originally known as Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)
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PST is recognized as an evidenced-based therapy by various organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Society of Clinical Psychology, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Air Force
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EC-PST trains people in various skills aimed at increasing their ability to cope effectively with a variety of life stressors that often lead to negative emotional outcomes
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Such life stressors can include:
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Major negative life events (death of a loved one, chronic illness, loss of a job)
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Continuous daily problems (difficulties with co-workers/boss, readjustment difficulties after leaving the military, limited finances)
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Traumatic events (sexual assault, car accident, combat)
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PST-based programs have been found to be helpful for a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties experienced by adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults, including:
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depression
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general anxiety
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posttraumatic stress symptoms
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suicide
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substance use
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problems experienced by a wide range of medical patients (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, renal disease, HIV/AIDS, infertility, insomnia, chronic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, macular degeneration)
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difficulties experienced by caregivers
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EC-PST is effective because it:
- Fosters hope
- Improves coping skills
- Builds resilience
- Enhances flexibility
- Improves stress management skills
- Improves decision-making ability
- EC-PST is comprised of four major toolkits:
- Planful Problem Solving: teaches a systemic approach to managing and coping with stressful life problems
- Problem-Solving Multi-Tasking: helps to minimize "brain overload"
- Motivation for Action: provides tools to help persist trying when one feels like giving up hope
- Stop, Slow Down, Think, and Act: teaches tools to decrease negative emotional arousal in order to think more rationally when dealing with stressful problems
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Moving Forward is a major PST-based program we helped the VA and DoD develop for U.S. Veterans and active service members; it has been found to be effective in reducing depression and general distress among such individuals, as well as improving their coping skills, resilience, and interpersonal functioning
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Click here to access the award-winning web-based version of Moving Forward
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Click here to access a copy of a scientific journal article describing the program
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For mental health professionals, click here for a list of publications by Drs. Nezu about problem solving, Problem-Solving Therapy, and Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy