Avoidance in Psychotherapy

Training by Christophe Herbert, psychologist (training enhanced by A.I.)

Avoidance lies at the heart of many presenting issues in psychotherapy. Present in anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, relational difficulties and performance anxiety, it cannot be reduced to simple "escape behaviour". This 2-hour training, designed for psychologists, offers an in-depth clinical approach to avoidance as a transdiagnostic process, with particular focus on its visible, invisible and socially valued forms.

You will learn to understand avoidance as a protective strategy that is initially adaptive, but becomes costly when it rigidifies. The training provides a clear framework of the clinical avoidance cycle (trigger, discomfort, avoidance, relief, maintenance), precise markers for assessing it in session without reinforcing it, and tools for building a shared psychoeducation and formulation. Intervention principles are detailed step by step: gradual progression, target selection, reduction of safety behaviours, graded exposure, behavioural activation and ACT-based approaches.

Particular attention is given to relational avoidance and therapeutic collusion, as well as adapting the work across clinical presentations. Clinical vignettes illustrate the practical application of the model, and a realistic monitoring framework supports lasting integration into private practice.

4 Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will be able to:

1. Understand avoidance as a transdiagnostic process and identify its behavioural, emotional, cognitive and relational forms.
2. Assess avoidance in session in a clinically sound manner, without premature confrontation or reinforcement of maintenance.
3. Build a shared psychoeducation and formulation that transforms avoidance into a therapeutic lever.
4. Implement progressive, tailored interventions: graded exposure, reduction of safety behaviours, behavioural activation and ACT tools.

Keywords

Clinical avoidance · Anxiety and avoidance · Cognitive behavioural therapy · ACT psychotherapy · Transdiagnostic process

Assessment and Certificate

This training includes: illustrated video presentations + training certificate.

Trainer: Christophe Herbert, Psychologist Psychologist specialising in psychotherapeutic support for victims and bereaved individuals. Director of H4 Publishing.

Bibliography

Barlow, D. H., Allen, L. B., & Choate, M. L. (2004). Toward a unified treatment for emotional disorders. Behavior Therapy, 35(2), 205–230.

Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximising exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23.

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865–878.

Martell, C. R., Dimidjian, S., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2010). Behavioral activation for depression: A clinician's guide.Guilford Press.

Mowrer, O. H. (1960). Learning theory and behavior. Wiley.

Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A. J., & Telch, M. J. (2004). Disentangling the effects of safety behaviours during exposure therapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42(3), 307–320.

Shafran, R., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (2002). Clinical perfectionism: A cognitive-behavioural analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(7), 773–791.

Tull, M. T., & Roemer, L. (2007). Emotion regulation difficulties associated with the experience of uncued panic attacks. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 21(3), 349–364.

Wells, A. (2009). Metacognitive therapy for anxiety and depression. Guilford Press.

Who is this training for?

This training is reserved for professionals (e.g. psychologists, psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, sexologists, mental health nurses, etc.) and students in psychology, psychiatry, or related disciplines. Others may apply by contacting: Dit e-mailadres wordt beveiligd tegen spambots. JavaScript dient ingeschakeld te zijn om het te bekijken.

How to register and access the course

1. Register for your personal training account and pay the registration fee (invoice available).
2. You will gain access to the course (video lectures and downloadable documents) in your personal training area. You may complete the course in several sessions. Once registered, you may begin whenever you wish, with no time limit to complete the training. You may also contact the trainer with questions.
3. Complete the knowledge validation test (a minimum of 70% correct answers is required to obtain a named certificate of completion; unlimited attempts. The aim is for you to succeed through the knowledge you have gained).
4. Download your named certificate, issued under the Psy-Training letterhead, confirming that you have completed and passed the training.