Traditional Workshop 2 - The Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Lessons from Global Successes in Modification and Implementation

The Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders for Children and Adolescents (UP-C/UP-A) present the compelling idea that there may be a more efficient method of presenting evidence-based psychotherapy strategies, such as those commonly included in CBT and other behavior therapies, to address an array of emotional disorder concerns. The Unified Protocols frame treatment strategies in terms of strong or intense emotions and promote change through a common lens that can be flexibly adapted across youth emotional disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders and other problem areas. Specifically, the UP-C/A promote well-being by allowing youth and caregivers to focus on a straightforward goal across emotional concerns: managing intense emotion states more flexibly and adaptively through emotion-focused education, awareness techniques, cognitive strategies, problem-solving and a full-range of exposure and activation techniques. These protocols have been used in efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation projects, as well as via telehealth, and the UP-C/A are generally recognized as evidence-based psychotherapies through this research. Increasingly, the UP-C and UP-A are used globally, and large-scale prevention and effectiveness studies have demonstrated the clear benefits of these global adaptations. The protocols exist in over 10 languages, and independent research teams have adapted and modified the UP-C and UP-A in specific ways to increase both their cultural and pragmatic relevance on an international scale. This presentation will first feature a brief review of the rationale for the UP-C and UP-A, global research on the UP-C and UP-A, and the clinical content of these protocols. More in depth review of the individual UP-C and UP-A modules will feature specific examples of global adaptations and modifications to various UP-C and UP-A materials. Implementation of these strategies will be supported via video, didactic, and interactive practice strategies, with an emphasis on how this content may be utilized to support emotional well-being in youth and families.

Outline:

1. Introduction to the Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents (UP-C and UP-A)
a. Brief rationale for UP-C and UP-A
b. Treatment structure and typical implementation of UP-C and UP-A
2. Overview of UP-C and UP-A treatment modules
a. Brief review of content from UP-A modules 1-8 and UP-C group sessions 1-15
3. Examples of culturally-responsive and context-specific adaptations of UP-C and UP-A
a. School-based adaptations
b. Technology-aided modifications
c. Briefer versions
d. When and how to adapt for varying cultures and identities
i. Culturally-responsive adaptation of the UP-C in Japan
ii. Transdiagnostic LGBTQ affirmative CBT - adaptation of the UP-A