Welcome to the 15th Annual Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT) Conference! We are so pleased to host you here at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, with the option to join us virtually as well. This year’s theme, “Navigating Rocky Relationships,” reflects our commitment to addressing the complex, often challenging dynamics that are at the heart of therapeutic work.

Our conference program was designed to tackle some of the trickiest clinical situations—those moments when you might pause to consult a colleague or seek out a new perspective. From sessions on interpersonal complexities in substance use challenges to navigating body image concerns, our speakers will provide you with insights and actionable strategies that you can take back to your practice.

This year, we’re excited to introduce our new Open Papers session on Friday morning. This addition allows researchers and practitioners to share their latest insights and innovations in a more interactive format. The open papers are an opportunity to discuss emerging ideas, practical approaches, and ongoing challenges in CBT, creating a rich forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration. We hope this session inspires fresh thinking and opens the door to new connections among our delegates.

We begin with a keynote from Dr. Lori Brotto, who will explore ways to support patients with sexual difficulties, even when you aren’t a specialized sex therapist. This promises to be an engaging and insightful session that’s relevant to all of us. On Friday, Dr. Heather Fulton will lead a clinical skills training on “Inviting Change,” focusing on how to help loved ones manage substance use challenges, followed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz’s workshop on empowering parents to help young adults struggling with “failure to launch.” We’re also excited to offer an in-person poster session and social event—a perfect opportunity to discuss ideas with your peers and build lasting connections.

Saturday’s program continues with Dr. Jennifer Coelho’s workshop on supporting clients and their families through body image and food relationship issues, an area where many therapists encounter unique relational challenges. Later, Dr. Kim Sogge will present on integrating Compassion-Focused ACT to “befriend all parts” of oneself—a timely topic as we explore ways to support self-compassion and acceptance within therapeutic relationships. We’ll close with Dr. Aislin Mushquash’s keynote on co-regulation, a powerful tool for strengthening relationships and supporting clients through shared emotional experiences.

Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on Saturday morning, where we’ll discuss CACBT’s initiatives and welcome your thoughts on our future directions.

On behalf of CACBT, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our speakers, delegates, and volunteers who have come together to make this conference a success. Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploration and learning. Together, let’s equip ourselves with the insights, tools, and connections that will enrich our work and enhance the support we provide to those navigating life’s rocky relationships.

Warm regards,

Dr. Christine Korol & Dr. Theo DeGagne
President, CACBT Conference Co-Chair