San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group

01/11/2026

⏰ Happening in 4 Days - Registration Closing Soon

When Trust Is the Treatment
📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
🎓 CE & CME Eligible
Live Virtual Workshop

When patients disengage, criticize therapy, or seem unable to stay in treatment, the issue is often not resistance, it’s trust.

Grounded in Control-Mastery Theory, this session will help you:

-Reframe ruptures and disengagement as clinically intelligible moments

-Understand how pathogenic beliefs are activated in the therapeutic relationship

-Use the therapist’s consistent, empathic stance as a corrective emotional experience

Restore momentum when treatment feels stalled or fragile
⚠️ Registration required. Payment in full in advance
💡 SFPRG members: log in for potential discounted registration.
👉 Register now - this workshop begins in just four days.

https://sfprg.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=209469&item_id=2808596

01/08/2026

Upcoming SFPRG Educational Offerings | January–February 2026

The San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group (SFPRG) invites clinicians and mental health professionals to participate in three upcoming educational programs grounded in clinical theory, empirical research, and applied practice.

🧠 When Trust Is the Treatment
📅 January 14, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
This course examines the central role of trust in psychotherapy, particularly in the treatment of patients with attachment-related disturbances. Emphasis is placed on the therapist-patient relationship as a foundational mechanism of therapeutic change.

🧠 The Meaning and Therapeutic Use of Sexual Fantasies
📅 January 30, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
Presented by Dr. Bader, this workshop explores the psychological dynamics of sexual fantasy and its clinical relevance, with particular attention to how fantasies may illuminate and help disconfirm pathogenic beliefs within the therapeutic process.

🧠 Becoming a More Effective Therapist
📅 February 20, 2026 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
This course introduces the empirically derived Plan Formulation Method (also known as Control-Mastery Case Formulation) and its application to clinical work, with a focus on strengthening therapeutic effectiveness across cases.

🔗 Registration and full course details:
https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com

These offerings are designed for clinicians seeking advanced training rooted in theory, research, and clinical application.

The Personalized Psychotherapy InstitutePsychotherapy That Works for Everyone Upcoming Events When Trust is the Treatment January 14, 202610:00 AM - 12:00 PM PSTFor patients with attachment wounds, psychotherapy involves an inherent tension. The process relies on the patient’s capacity to develop ...

10/27/2025

What can sexual fantasies reveal about healing?

On November 7, 2025, join us for a fascinating workshop with Dr. Michael Bader, who will share how fantasies can help patients move beyond limiting beliefs and inform richer therapeutic work. With 30+ years of clinical experience and widely acclaimed books on sexuality, Dr. Bader brings deep insight and practical guidance
More details here: https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com/

10/26/2025

Join us on November 7, 2025 for:

The Meaning and Therapeutic Use of Sexual Fantasies
with Michael Bader, DMH

Drawing on work with Joseph Weiss and the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, Dr. Bader offers a fresh look at the psychological dynamics behind sexual excitement and how it can inform therapeutic practice.

Don’t miss this insightful workshop!

www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com

SFPRG is a nonprofit membership organization of mental health professionals that supports research, education, and training on the subject of how and why psychotherapy works.

10/26/2025

We’re so excited to begin our 24-week CMT Intensive on Monday!
This course brings together clinicians and researchers to explore how Control-Mastery Theory can shape powerful, responsive therapeutic work.
Over 24 weeks, participants will learn the fundamentals of CMT, how to apply it in clinical settings, and how to develop effective case formulations tailored to each patient’s needs.
The program includes live case conferences, multiple expert instructors, and an engaging, collegial environment designed to support both learning and connection.
Join us as we start this journey into the heart of therapeutic mastery.
🔗 https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com/masp

10/24/2025

Starting Monday: our 24-week Control-Mastery Theory Intensive begins!

Designed for clinicians who want to deepen their understanding of CMT, this course covers core theory, clinical application, and effective case formulation — with guidance from instructors experienced in both research and practice.

Includes weekly case conferences for rich discussion and collaborative learning.

There’s still time to register — we’d love to have you join us!

10/14/2025

Horror films do more than scare us — they show us how we face fear, loss, and survival.

Join us October 17, 2025 for “Seeking Safety Through Danger: What Horror Movies Teach Us About Trauma and Recovery.”

Explore how horror cinema can illuminate the path from trauma to healing.

09/03/2025

Advance Your Clinical Practice with SFPRG
SFPRG Live Workshop
Sept 17, 2025
Register Today!
Join us on September 17, 2025, for Becoming a More Effective Therapist, presented by Trevor Ahrendt, PsyD.
This live, interactive workshop will introduce practical clinical strategies grounded in Control-Mastery Theory.
✔ CE credits available
✔ Hosted by SFPRG
✔ Space is limited

Register here:

COURSES ▶ INTRO COURSE Becoming a More Effective Therapist: An Introduction to Control-Mastery All therapists want to be exceptional. We can show you how. Friday, September 19, 20259:00am-12:00pm PSTLive Online Seminar through ZoomInstructor:Trevor M. Ahrendt, PsyD Have you ever wondered why resea...

09/02/2025

Advance Your Clinical Practice with SFPRG
Grow Your Clinical Skills
Live Online – Sept 17
With Trevor Ahrendt, PsyD.
Join us on September 17, 2025, for Becoming a More Effective Therapist: An Intro to CMT, presented byTrevor Ahrendt, PsyD.
This live, interactive workshop will introduce practical clinical strategies grounded in Control-Mastery Theory.
✔ CE credits available
✔ Hosted by SFPRG
✔ Space is limited

Details here: https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com/introcourse

We engage in scholarship, research, and education on how psychopathology develops and how psychotherapy works.

03/05/2025

This is the last chance to register for our 37th Annual March Psychotherapy Workshop, starting this Thursday on March 6th! We have brought together many esteemed guests to share their perspectives on personalizing psychotherapy in clinical practice.

For more information and registration, please follow the link to our education wing website, the Personalized Psychotherapy Institute, at https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com/marchworkshop

02/17/2025

We are honored to be offering our 37th Annual March Workshop: "What Does Your Patient (Really) Need? How to be the Best Therapist for Each Patient"

This clinical workshop focuses on strengthening case formulations and personalizing psychotherapy for patients, with distinguished faculty including featured guest speaker Dr. Nancy McWilliams.

For registration, visit us online at https://www.personalizedpsychotherapy.com/marchworkshop