Most therapists believe they are above average, but the reality is that we all struggle with difficult cases and confusing clinical presentations.
We can teach you how to work with a wider range of patients, more effectively, and with more confidence.
Courses & Events
The Meaning and Therapeutic Use of Sexual Fantasies: A Control-Mastery Perspective
January 30, 2026
9:00AM - 10:30AM PST
Based on his work with Joseph Weiss and the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, Dr. Bader developed a new way of looking at the psychological dynamics behind sexual excitement. In this workshop he will present his theory illustrating how patients' sexual fantasies often help to disconfirm their pathogenic beliefs and how understanding these fantasies as therapists can facilitate the therapeutic process.
Ongoing Case Conferences
Tuesday Conference
Tuesdays, 11:30am - 12:45pm (PST)
Weekly case conference free for SFPRG members, lead by George Silberschatz and John Curtis. Practice applying CMT principles to cases and refining treatment by attitude.
Thursday Conference
Thursdays, 11:30am - 12:45pm (PST)
The group offers peer consultation focused on understanding the principles of Control-Mastery Theory, using members' presentations of clinical material to illustrate and apply CMT understanding.
Interested participants who are members of SFPRG and who anticipate regular attendance can contact me at david.kealy@ubc.ca
Current and Upcoming Offerings
When Trust is the Treatment
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
For patients with attachment wounds, the construct of psychotherapy presents an inherent tension. On the one hand, the process depends on the patient’s capacity to establish at least a minimal degree of trust in the therapist. This trust is not absolute, nor is it necessarily present at the outset; rather, it represents a working hypothesis, that engaging with the therapist may not be harmful and might even be helpful. Without such a foundation, patients are unlikely to seek treatment or remain in it long enough for meaningful work to occur.
The 37th Annual March Workshop:
What Does your Patient (Really) Need? How to be the Best Therapist for Each Patient
Thursday, March 6th - Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Thurs/Fri: 9:00am - 12:50pm (PST) (Zoom)
Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (Zoom or In Person)
The most important guide for doing tailoring treatment is the patient themselves. Patients often try to help their therapists help them more effectively. This 3-day conference focuses on approaches from several perspectives on how to understand patient problems and needs to personalize treatment.
Mastering the Art and Science of Psychotherapy (MASP)
Mondays, October 27th, 2025 through April 27th, 2026
12:00pm - 1:30pm (PST)
This 24-week, intensive class focuses on the fundamentals of CMT, how to apply it clinically, and how to develop effective case formulations for what your patients need to optimize therapeutic responsiveness. The class features multiple instructors with clinical and research experience in CMT and includes ongoing case conferences that promise to be clinically enriching and enjoyable.
Becoming a More Effective Therapist: Intro to Control Mastery Theory
Friday, February 20, 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
Over the past several decades, SFPRG has developed an empirically derived method of case formulation – the Plan Formulation Method (PFM).
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of The Plan Formulation Method, also known as Control-Mastery Case Formulation, and begin applying it immediately to your cases. You'll learn how to integrate the PFM into your existing manner of working and strengthen the work you're already doing.
Plan Formulation Bootcamp: Level Up Your Formulation Skills
Friday, February 14th, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
We're excited to offer a formulation practice session with participants’ real cases. We'll quickly review the basics of CMT formulation and then spend the remainder of the session in a case conference formulating from real case material. Participants will get opportunities to level-up their CMT formulation skills and leave with a greater sense of confidence and clarity about how to approach their cases from a CMT perspective.