A continuing education event focused on emotional awareness and intervention techniques will be held on October 21, 2023, in Fresno, California. The session, titled “Working with Emotion Across Cultures: An EFT Approach,” will be presented by Dr. Cheryl Dueck Smith, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified expert in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and families.
The event, organized by Central Valley Behavioral Health in collaboration with the San Joaquin Valley Psychological Association, aims to equip mental health professionals with the skills to apply emotion-based interventions across diverse cultural contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of emotional dynamics and their impact on therapeutic practices.
Event Details and Learning Objectives
The day will commence at 8:30 AM with check-in and social networking, including a breakfast for attendees. The presentation will officially begin at 9:00 AM. During this engaging session, participants will learn to:
– Describe the essential components of emotion, encompassing physiology, cognition, behavior, and both surface and deeper feelings.
– Explain the influence of culture on emotional expression, meaning-making, and behavioral responses.
– Apply EFT principles to access and organize emotions, which fosters awareness and supports the development of new, adaptive interaction patterns.
Dr. Smith is expected to deliver a comprehensive overview of how cultural differences shape emotional experiences, enhancing the effectiveness of therapy across various backgrounds.
Registration and Continuing Education Credits
The registration fees for the event are structured as follows: $60.00 for members seeking continuing education credits, $90.00 for non-members, and $45.00 for students who do not require credits. Students interested in the discounted rate should contact the organizers for a code, providing their student status and program director’s contact information.
The venue for this event, co-sponsored by Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health, is located at 1781 E. Fir Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93720. The facility is conveniently situated on Fir, one block north of Herndon, between Cedar and Maple.
Participants will earn three (3) continuing education credits approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). This course fulfills certain requirements set by the California Board of Psychology for licensed psychologists acting as clinical supervisors for unlicensed associates, interns, or students. It also meets some requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Science for clinical supervision.
Attendees are encouraged to verify their specific licensing board requirements to ensure compliance. Central Valley Behavioral Health is responsible for the content of this educational event and is an authorized provider of continuing education credits.
For inquiries regarding the event content, registration, or related concerns, participants can reach out to Dr. Annie Fujikawa, the Continuing Education Representative at Central Valley Behavioral Health. It is essential for participants to note that APA guidelines stipulate that credit will only be granted to those who attend the entire event. Individuals arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the session concludes will not receive continuing education credits.
This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for mental health professionals looking to deepen their understanding of emotional dynamics in a culturally sensitive manner.






































