Building Connections During CPT: Strategies for Engagement & Retention
Our advanced skills training “Building Connections During CPT: Strategies for Engagement and Retention” training is designed for mental health professionals who want to deliver CPT with confidence and responsiveness. Rather than choosing between “following the manual” and “being relational,” this training shows how to do both at the same time. You’ll learn practical relational microskills that strengthen the working alliance, address avoidance, and support engagement, all while maintaining CPT fidelity.
Through case examples, role plays, and guided discussion, the presenters will demonstrate how to individualize CPT, navigate alliance ruptures, and thoughtfully address sociocultural differences and identity-based trauma within the model.
Register for the live workshop today and enhance your expertise as a trauma therapist. Download a full course description [HERE].
Workshop Details
Presenter: Gwendolyn (Wendy) Bassett, MSW, LCSW & Stephanie Sacks, Ph.D
Date & Time: July 14, 2026 from 9 am – 1 pm CT (Online via Zoom)
Eligibility: Mental Health Care Providers with foundational CPT training
CE Credits offered: 3.75
Cost: Registration fee of $50 per attendee

Cancellation, Substitutions, and Refunds
Registration fees, minus a $25 service charge, will be refunded to participants who send a written cancellation via email to admin@strongstartraining.org postmarked no less than 15 days before the training. No refunds will be made thereafter. A colleague may be substituted for no extra charge if STRONG STAR Training Initiative is notified at least two business days before the training. In some cases, you may be able to reschedule to a future Learning Community with no additional cost.
Please note Agenda time is based on Central Time Zone
| Time | Content |
| 9:00–11:00 AM | Part I: Literature Review/Review of Terms
Review of CPT Review of CPT phases and case conceptualization Phase-by-phase CPT interventions and companion relational microskills |
| 11:00–11:15 AM | Break |
| 11:15 AM–12:30 PM | Continued Part I (if needed)
Part II: Activities in small group/big group discussion |
| 12:30–1:00 PM | Case discussions and questions |

