CBT-BAR: A New Approach to Early Intervention for Bipolar Risk (Targeting Extreme Appraisals and Maladaptive Coping Strategies) - November 5 & 6, 2026.

CBT-BAR was created to address a critical gap in mental health care. Young people at risk of bipolar disorder often experience distressing mood swings and complex comorbidities, yet current services typically offer treatments for unipolar depression or pharmacological approaches that may be ineffective or even harmful. This approach is also highly relevant for clinicians working with individuals experiencing a first episode of bipolar disorder or those at the very start of their journey, providing practical strategies to support early recovery and prevent relapse.

Participants will gain:

• A clear understanding of BAR criteria, their predictive validity, and clinical application.
• Insight into the CBT-BAR model, including its theoretical foundations and practical strategies for intervention.
• Skills in collaborative formulation and personalized mood continua.
• Techniques for appraisal change, behavioral experiments, and strategies to reduce unhelpful coping responses.