Our team had the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops by leading experts in their fields at the EABCT 2023 Congress on CBT in a Changing World: Migration and Cultural Diversity. This provided us with the chance to learn about and discuss the current developments in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Discussions were held with Prof. Dr. Hakan Türkçapar, President of the Turkish Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies Association, Saiqa Naz, President of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and  Prof. Dr. Fatih Yavuz, President of Contextual Behavioral Sciences and Psychotherapies Associations regarding future projects and collaborations.

Besides, our team participated in the congress with four oral presentations and six poster presentations,containing their research and practice findings on the use of faith and culture sensitive interventions in psychotherapy.

Dr. Taha Burak Toprak – The Effects of Religiously Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Brief Intervention Program for Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Oral Presentation)

Taha Burak Toprak and his team have achieved remarkable results in treating post-traumatic stress symptoms using religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy.This study highlights the importance of effective short-term intervention programs in coping with psychological symptoms following devastating natural disasters, such as earthquakes. In the study, 24 participants with post-traumatic stress symptoms attended an intensive 5-session intervention program and assessments conducted both before and after the treatment. In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant decrease in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels compared to the control group, and an increase in the adoption of religious coping strategies was observed in both groups. Participants stated that they better understood their values during the therapy process and found religious references to be helpful. These findings indicate that culturally sensitive interventions may be effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms and preventing their worsening.

C. Psych. Yakub Işık – Enhancing Positive Cognition Using Gratitude Practices in the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Oral Presentation)

Yakup Işık and Dr. Senem Eren investigated the role of gratitude practices in the treatment of depression. As a result of gratitude-based practices, participants showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms and a significant increase in levels of gratitude.This approach offers promising results in the treatment of depression by increasing positive cognitive processes.

C. Psych. Hanne Nur Özçelik – An Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program in Consultation with a Clergyman for Behavioral Activation Against Rumination: A Case Report (Oral Presentation)

Hanne Nur Özçelik and Taha Burak Toprak investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy process conducted in collaboration with a religious leader in addressing rumination against behavioral activation.This case study suggests that CBT supported by religious counseling may be effective in reducing ruminative thoughts.

C. Psych. Hatice Rumeysa Işık – Am I Religiously Responsible About My Sexual Intrusive Thoughts? The Use of the 4T Model to Distinguish Cognition Hierarchy in the Context of Religious Responsibility After Sexual Abuse: A Case Report (Oral Presentation)

Hatice Rümeysa Işık and Taha Burak Toprak investigated the effect of the perception of religious responsibility on intrusive sexual thoughts following sexual abuse by using the 4T model. This model has helped patients better identify their irrational thoughts and manage them more effectively. The study emphasizes the role of the perception of religious responsibility in psychotherapy and makes significant contributions to the recovery process after sexual abuse.

C. Psych. M. Furkan Cinisli – Ancient Method from Aristotle: Integrating Classical Logic into Psychoeducation and Challenging Thoughts (Oral Presentation)

In M. Furkan Cinisli’s study, Aristotle’s classical logic methods were integrated into modern psychoeducation and cognitive challenge processes. This study aims to distinguish between correct and incorrect thinking patterns by using the fundamental concepts of classical logic. Automatic thoughts have been rephrased into sentences that can be analyzed within the framework of logical fallacies.This approach aims to provide a new perspective to modern psychology by addressing thought processes through objective forms.

C. Psych. Beyza Karakan – Using Religiously Extended Psycho-Educational 4T Model for Psychotherapy of Scrupulosity: A Case Report (Oral Presentation)

Beyza Karakan and Taha Burak Toprak introduced the religion-extended psychoeducational 4T model for treating scrupulosity, a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder with religious themes.In this case study, a significant decrease in patients’ symptoms and an improvement in their ability to identify religious thoughts were observed thanks to the use of the 4T model.It was also observed that these positive effects continued during the three-month follow-ups. It stands out as an important study demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating religious knowledge in psychotherapy.

C. Psych. Merve Gündoğdu – Motivational Intervention in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Skin Picking Disorder: A Case Report (Oral Presentation)

Merve Nur Gündoğdu and Taha Burak Toprak investigated the effects of motivational interventions on a patient with skin-picking disorder.Motivational interventions integrated with CBT techniques have increased the patient’s adherence and motivation for treatment.This study demonstrates the importance of motivational techniques in behavior change and the treatment process.

C. Psych. Nurşin Çetiner – Effectiveness of a 5-Session Value-Focused CBT Intervention in the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder: A Case Study (Oral Presentation)

Nurşin Çetiner and Taha Burak Toprak achieved remarkable results by applying a five-session values-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to a patient experiencing acute stress disorder following an earthquake. At the end of the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the patient’s stress symptoms and daily functioning. This case study emphasizes the importance of early intervention following trauma and value-focused approaches.

Psychological Counselor Şuheda Ece Sarı – Six-Session Religiously Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Management of Acute Stress Symptoms: A Case Report (Oral Presentation)

Şuheda Ece Sarı and Taha Burak Toprak obtained notable results by applying a six-session religion-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy to a client affected by the earthquake in Turkey. The patient’s stress symptoms decreased by 45% and there was a significant improvement in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms.The use of religious values and metaphors significantly contributed to the patient’s recovery process.This study provides a significant contribution to post-trauma interventions.