The ABCT 2024 conference in Philadelphia was an unforgettable experience for Dr. Ana Zdravkovic and Dr. Joanne Lam. The dynamic duo not only immersed themselves in the wealth of knowledge shared at the conference but also took the opportunity to explore the historic charm of the city.
Dr. Zdravkovic and Dr. Lam attended numerous sessions, engaging with fellow professionals and expanding their understanding of the latest advancements in psychology. They participated in live demonstrations of CBT, including Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R), and treating anxiety in autistic youth. Additionally, they took part in a seminar focused on supervising CBT, which was particularly enriching. The conference provided a platform for meaningful discussions, innovative ideas, and the exchange of valuable insights. Highlights included attending Judith Beck’s seminars and live demonstrations, which left a lasting impression with their depth and practical applications.
At the Internship & Postdoctoral Meet and Greet, Dr. Zdravkovic and Dr. Lam connected with numerous internship and postdoctoral applicants. It was a great opportunity to share the strong foundation of our training programs and the unique opportunities each site offers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending the conference was reconnecting with KP alumni. Dr. Zdravkovic and Dr. Lam cherished the opportunity to catch up with previous KP trainees, hear about their current endeavors, and celebrate their successes. These reunions highlighted the strong connections we’ve built through our professional experiences.
During ABCT 2024, Dr. Zdravkovic and Dr. Lam had the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field. They spoke with the creators of the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MAP), connected with Alec Miller on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A), and exchanged ideas with professors at Palo Alto University (PAU) about the application of AI in mental health. These valuable interactions are helping shape a forward-thinking curriculum that combines proven therapeutic methods with innovative technology, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of mental health training.
Reflecting on their experience, Dr. Zdravkovic and Dr. Lam expressed gratitude for the chance to learn, network, and explore. They returned with renewed energy and a wealth of ideas to implement in their practice. Looking ahead, they are excited about the possibilities for continued growth, collaboration, and integration of delivery science in MHTP.
Contributed by: Joanne Lam, PsyD
