Tomorrow I start working on requirements to become a PCIT Level II (Regional) Trainer. One of the mentors I'm working with is Wolfgang Briegel, M.D., a PCIT Master Trainer in Germany. I'm at Leopoldina Krankenhaus (hospital), staying in a guest suite, and preparing for the portion of the training I'm conducting tomorrow. We will be training therapists from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. I'm so excited (and a little nervous!) to train individuals in PCIT across cultures and in another language. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to further expand my skills in training as well as enhance my German language abilities. I'll be capturing photos over the next three days of the training, so be on the lookout for another blog post later this week :-) 

I'm beyond excited to be at the first PCIT International World Congress being held in Schweinfurt, Germany. I had the honor to present a mini clinical skills workshop on my adaptation of PCIT for traumatized youth--"Trauma-Focused PCIT (TF-PCIT):  Combining PCIT and TF-CBT." My presentation was one of two scheduled during the first time block after opening remarks and the Keynote speaker. The workshop was well-attended, and I had the opportunity to meet many PCIT providers from around the globe after I presented. A little side note:  I had submitted my proposal for this workshop in German but was asked to present in English. When I started my presentation, I did my introduction in both German and English. Despite the normal kind of anxiety that comes along with presenting in front of a room of professionals, I had fun sharing my experiences with this adaptation and leading attendees in hands-on activities I use in these sessions. Thank you to my PCIT colleagues who assisted with handing out materials and capturing this photo of me presenting!

I was more than excited to come home today to find my German PCIT Protocol had arrived! 'German?,' you might ask? Well, I am in the beginning stages of planning the start of working toward becoming a Level II Trainer, which would allow me to train not only within my agency but also across the state. Part of the requirements is to receive mentorship from two additional Master Trainers. One who has agreed to work with me is Master Trainer Wolfgang Briegel, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Germany. I actually speak German (quite well from feedback I've received from native speakers). However, I'm much more comfortable with the colloquial language than professional, so I have a lot of new vocabulary to learn. I am so excited to expand my PCIT training skills within another culture (training dates are being planned for December 2018). Now, please excuse me while I geek out all night!