• Author:

    Aaron Brinen, Psy.D

  • Level: 

    Foundational

  • CREDIT(S)

    1

  • Video

    1 hour

Living Well with Psychosis

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast, Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner are joined by Dr. Aaron Brinen to discuss the clinical application of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) for psychosis. Drawing from his book Living Well with Psychosis, Dr. Brinen provides practical strategies for addressing negative symptoms that often impede recovery, such as diminished motivation and reduced social engagement. The conversation highlights how CT-R extends beyond symptom reduction by promoting autonomy, strengthening client aspirations, and aligning therapy with clients’ meaningful life goals. Listeners will learn techniques for fostering rapport, activating client strengths, and incorporating evidence-based behavioral experiments to scaffold functional improvement. The episode also highlights trauma-informed care and strategies for reducing stigma in institutional settings.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify 3 beliefs associated with negative symptoms.
2. Name the three steps for the CT-R protocol.
3. Describe how Living Well with Psychosis can be used alongside an individual.

Aaron Brinen, Psy.D

Aaron P. Brinen, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Brinen is internationally recognized for his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapies for severe mental health conditions, particularly psychosis. As the co-developer of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and co-author of its foundational manual, he has pioneered approaches that prioritize client autonomy, motivation, and meaningful engagement in recovery. Dr. Brinen has extensive experience implementing CT-R across diverse clinical settings—including inpatient units, ACT teams, and first-episode psychosis programs—and provides global training for clinicians. An active author and educator, he also shares accessible psychoeducational content through Psychology Today and multiple social media platforms, with a commitment to advancing recovery-oriented care.
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Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 


Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists.  Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field.