Program Overview

In this lecture you will learn about a CBT oriented group therapy to target a set of cognitive skills called Executive Functions. Upon completing this course, learners will be able to understand why we focus on Executive Functions, who can benefit from the group, what our treatment approach is, and the group structure and therapist styles that promote a successful group experience. Didactic material and case examples are provided to illustrate how the group teaches people to be motivated to apply the executive functioning skills they are learning. By following the story of one patient, we illustrate the functional impact of improving executive functioning skills in people with psychiatric disorders.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for mental health professionals from the fields of psychiatry, psychology, social work and occupational therapy who are involved in the clinical care of people with psychiatric disorders.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be better able to:

  • Design group therapies to target a set of cognitive skills called Executive Functions.
  • Discuss why it is important to focus on Executive Functions and who can benefit from this type of intervention.
  • Discuss how to structure the group and therapist styles that promote a successful group experience.
  • Address motivational problems in people with executive dysfunction.

Professor of Medical Psychology

Alice Medalia, Ph.D.

Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Clinical Director, NY State OMH Cognitive Health Services

Assistant Professor

Alice Saperstein, Ph.D.

Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Associate in Clinical Psychiatric Social Work (in Psychiatry)

Enid C. Gertmenian-King, L.C.S.W.

College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Executive Functioning Training

    • Executive Functioning Training and Motivation

    • Phenomenology

    • Check your understanding: Phenomenology

    • Psychoeducation, Orientation to Treatment, Motivation

    • Check your understanding: Psychoeducation, Orientation to Treatment, Motivation

    • Addressing Motivational Problems: Increasing Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness

    • Addressing Motivational Problems: Addressing Expectations, Values and Cost

    • The Motivometer: Applying for Work as a Programmer

    • Check your understanding: Addressing Motivational Problems (Expectancy Value Theory)

    • Style, Structure, Theory

    • Check your understanding: Style, Structure, Theory

    • Test

    • Resources

Additional Courses