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APA Psychotherapy Training Videos are intended solely for educational purposes for mental health professionals. Viewers are expected to treat confidential material found herein according to strict professional guidelines. Unauthorized viewing is prohibited.
In Chronic Illness, Dr. Len Sperry shows how he approaches work with clients with chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, or lupus. His approach is to focus on what the disease means to the client and how this viewpoint affects his or her life. This biopsychosocial approach helps fill in the gaps in medical interventions, which do not look at the broader cultural and psychological effects of a disease on a patient. In this session, Dr. Sperry develops a working relationship with a client with lupus, performs a thorough assessment, and then tailors a specific treatment for her that involves greater use of her personal support system.
The approach described and illustrated in the accompanying video articulates the various phases of chronic illness: crisis, stabilization, resolution, and integration. It emphasizes how the course of chronic disease is affected by biopsychosocial and cultural factors. Furthermore, the approach relies on a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and treatment tailored to the client's needs and expectations.
Len Sperry, MD, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and physician who has practiced health-oriented psychotherapy for more than 30 years. He is currently clinical professor of psychiatry and preventive medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and professor and director of the doctoral program in counseling at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Dr. Sperry is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a diplomate in clinical psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology. In addition, he is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and he is the recipient of the Harry Levinson Award from the American Psychological Foundation. Dr. Sperry is on the editorial board of 9 journals and has published nearly 300 articles and book chapters and more than 30 professional books, including Psychological Treatment of Chronic Illness: A Biopsychosocial Therapy Approach (APA, 2006) and Health Promotion and Health Counseling (2nd ed., 2005).
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