Live Webinar June 4th — Cultural Adaptation of Cognitive Therapy with Dr. Farooq Naeem

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

11:00 AM–12:30 PM Eastern/ 10:00 AM–11:30 AM Central/ 9:00 AM–10:30 AM Mountain/ 8:00 AM–9:30 AM Pacific/ 7:00 AM–8:30 AM Alaska/6:00 AM–7:30 AM Hawaii

1.5 CE Credits Awarded

$15 Student ABCT Members / $25 ABCT Members / $35 Non-Members

Intermediate level

All prices listed in US currency

Abstract:

CBT is underpinned by specific cultural values, and for it to be effective for clients from diverse backgrounds, it should be culturally adapted. Indeed, individual therapists have developed guidelines for adaptation of therapy. Dr. Farooq Naeem's research group has adapted CBT for clients from various backgrounds, including African-Caribbeans, South Asians, Middle Eastern and the Chinese, using a mixed-methods approach. Research findings reveal positive outcomes across 25 RCTs that test the Southampton adaptation framework for cultural adaptation of CBT. This presentation will include education on the historical perspectives on cultural differences that underpin the model and describe the model of adaptation. Implementation of this model into clinical practice will also be discussed. Special attention will be given to adaptations for Middle Eastern populations, including specific clinical recommendations and considerations when delivering CBT to these populations.

Presenter Biography:

Farooq Naeem is a full Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and a Senior clinician scientist at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. Farooq pioneered techniques for culturally adapting CBT. These techniques have been used to adapt CBT in South Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, Kenya, China and Canada. More than 30 RCTs have been conducted on adapted CBT using Farooq’s model of adaption- Southampton adaptation framework for CBT. His significant contribution to implementation science is establishing a national organization to train and accredit CBT therapists, deliver therapy, promote research and educate the general public- the Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists (https://pact.com.pk/) and National CBT service in Pakistan, (Dilkibaat.ca). This remains the only example of the national implementation of CBT in a low-income country. He works in various think tanks with the Mental Health Commission and Health Canada. He currently chairs the effectiveness of mental health app committee for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. 

At the end of the webinar, the learner will be able to:

1. Explain at least one clinically necessary reason to culturally adapt CBT, especially in ethnic minority communities. 
2. Discuss an example of how to culturally adapt CBT 
3. Identify at least two cultural assumptions underlying CBT and their implications 
4. Describe at least one clinical recommendation and/or clinical consideration when delivering CBT to members of Middle Eastern populations.

Recommended Readings:

• F Naeem, P Phiri, N Husain (2024) Southampton Adaptation Framework to Culturally Adapt Cognitive Behavior Therapy: An Update, Psychiatric Clinics 47 (2), 325-341
• Naeem F, Tuck A, Mutta B, Dhillon P, Thandi G, Kassam A, Farah N, Ashraf A, Husain MI, Husain MO, Vasiliadis HM, Sanches M, Munshi T, Abbott M, Watters N, Kidd SA, Ayub M, McKenzie K. Protocol for a multi-phase, mixed methods study to develop and evaluate culturally adapted CBT to improve community mental health services for Canadians of south Asian origin. Trials. 2021 Sep 6;22(1):600. doi: 10.1186/s13063-021-05547-4. PMID: 34488853; PMCID: PMC8419942.
• Weihui Li, Li Zhang, Xuerong Luo, Bangshan Liu, Zhipeng Liu, Fang Lin, Zhiling Liu, Yuhuan Xie, Melissa Hudson, Shanaya Rathod, David Kingdon, Nusrat Husain, Xudong Liu, Muhammad Ayub, Farooq Naeem. A qualitative study to explore views of patients', carers' and mental health professionals' to inform cultural adaptation of CBT for psychosis (CBTp) in China. BMC Psychiatry. 2017 April 8; 17(1):131. DOI:10.1186/s12888-017-1290-6.

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All attendees will receive a certificate of completion when the course requirements are satisfied.

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies incurs significant administrative cost related to your registration before a webinar.  Therefore, there are no refunds for live webinars. If you unable to attend a webinar, we will provide you with the recorded version after the live presentation (which is still eligible for CE credit). If you wish to cancel or request to transfer your webinar registration to another webinar please email your request to membership@abct.org. 

ABCT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ABCT maintains responsibility for this program and its content

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5797. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs

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Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0124

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For more information, contact:

Rachel Greeman, ABCT Web Manager
212-647-1890 ext. 208
rgreeman@abct.org

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