Reframing CBT: Trauma-and Substance Use-Informed Applications for Clinical Practice

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and evidence-based approaches in mental health and substance use treatment. However, when applied without sufficient cultural and contextual consideration, CBT can miss the mark—particularly for clients with trauma histories and those from marginalized communities—by overemphasizing individual responsibility, cognitive control, and symptom reduction.

This 60-minute training will explore how traditional applications of CBT may unintentionally overlook relational, cultural, and embodied aspects of healing, especially in work with clients experiencing substance use concerns. Participants will review the evolution of counseling, identify limitations of standard CBT models, and learn practical ways to adapt CBT assessments and interventions to better honor clients’ lived experiences, identities, and values.