PRESENTER

Sasha Lambert, Ph.D.

OBJECTIVES:

Analyze common cognitive biases and reasoning errors that influence diagnostic and treatment decisions in mental health practice.

Evaluate how flaws in clinical reasoning contribute to suboptimal treatment outcomes, ethical vulnerabilities, and risk for professional complaints.

Critically evaluate and integrate core elements of scientific research (e.g., study design, effect sizes, statistical significance, and limitations) into clinical decision-making.

Apply structured critical thinking strategies to strengthen case formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning.

AGENDA:

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  –  Registration

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Define “critical thinking” and discuss how logical fallacies and cognitive biases shape our thinking

Examine common reasoning errors, including confirmation bias, anchoring, “slippery slope,” and causation versus correlation

Review the relationship between flawed clinical reasoning and misdiagnosis, poor treatment outcomes, ethical vulnerabilities, and professional complaints

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Break

10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Discuss the importance of metacognition and research literacy in the context of the above consequences of flawed clinical reasoning

Practice critical review of study design, sample characteristics, methodology, and basic statistics

Apply critical thinking concepts to research to assist in recognizing limitations and conflicts of interest in published research

12:45 p.m. – Adjournment

CE APPROVALS:

Psychologists – Professional Training Resources, Inc.  is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Licensed Professional Counselors – Professional Training Resources, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5829.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Social Workers – This program has been approved for 4 clinical continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

Substance Abuse Counselors  – approved by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority for 4 clock hours.

NASP – Professional Training Resources is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists.  Professional Training Resources maintains responsibility for the program.

Other Professions – may seek apply for education credits through their respective boards.  Everyone in attendance will receive a certificate of attendance for 4 clock hours.