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ForwardApril 16, 2026: 10th Frank P. Soldo, III, Lecture in Psychiatry - Targeting Emotion Regulation in Psychiatric Disorders: Mechanisms, Intervention Sequencing, and Digital Translation (Ocean)
Targeting Emotion Regulation in Psychiatric Disorders: Mechanisms, Intervention Sequencing, and Digital Translation
Description:
This talk focuses on emotion regulation as a central mechanism in psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on how attentional processes, behavioral motivation, and intervention sequencing shape clinical outcomes. Integrating mindfulness-based research with transdiagnostic models, the presentation outlines how emotion regulation strategies can be improved when the timing and sequencing of interventions are explicitly considered (Hofmann & Hayes, 2019; Petrova & Gross, 2023). Particular attention is given to how attentional allocation and self-regulatory capacity influence when and how specific strategies are most effective.
The talk will further integrate emerging findings from a randomized controlled trial evaluating brief, digitally delivered mindfulness and movement-based interventions and their impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. Results suggest that improvements in motivation and behavioral consistency mediate sustained changes in affective outcomes, highlighting these processes as key mechanisms of change (Kazdin, 2019; Torous et al., 2021).
Despite advances in evidence-based treatments, clinicians often receive limited guidance on how to sequence emotion regulation strategies in practice. Interventions such as mindfulness are frequently applied without sufficient attention to timing or patient state, which may reduce effectiveness or, in some cases, exacerbate distress. The talk aims to address these gaps by offering a framework for sequencing mindfulness and behavior-based strategies to improve clinical precision and extend these approaches through scalable digital interventions.
Target Audience
This program is intended for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, General and Family Practice Physicians, Psychiatric Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Social Workers.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the activity, participants will be able to:
- Analyze core mechanisms of emotion regulation that link attentional processes, behavioral motivation, and sustained changes in psychological well-being.
- Apply principles of intervention sequencing to optimize the use of mindfulness and behavior-based strategies in the treatment of emotional distress.
- Discuss the role of digital mental health interventions in enhancing emotion regulation and improving quality of life through scalable, mechanism-driven approaches.
SPEAKER(S)
David Klemanski, PsyD, MPH
Harvard Psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance
David Klemanski, PsyD, MPH
David Klemanski, Psy.D., MPH, is the Chief of the Division of Psychology and oversees Postdoctoral Training at Harvard Psychiatry’s Cambridge Health Alliance. Prior to this, he was at Yale, where he led the Yale Doctoral Internship in Clinical and Community Psychology and directed the Division of Quality and Innovation at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital.
Dr. Klemanski's clinical expertise encompasses the treatment of anxiety disorders and psychological assessment. His research program focuses on the psychopathological dimensions of anxiety and associated comorbidities, with particular emphasis on mindfulness and emotion regulation in affective disorders. In parallel, he is also leading a research program on the quality of mental health care delivery. This has culminated in nationwide adoption of the Psychiatric Inpatient Experience (PIX) measure by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
As a recognized authority in anxiety disorders, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, Dr. Klemanski maintains an active publication record and co-authored "Don't Let Your Anxiety Run Your Life: Using the Science of Emotion Regulation and Mindfulness to Overcome Your Worry and Fear," which bridges clinical research and practical intervention strategies for anxiety management. Dr. Klemanski serves as a Commissioner on the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation.
Disclosures: Royalties: New Harbinger Publications
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of IHP and Massachusetts General Hospital. IHP is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
IHP designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 Nursing Contact Hours
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 13, sections 13, 14, 14A, 15 and 15D and Chapter 112, sections 74 through 81C authorize the Board of Registration in Nursing to regulate nursing practice and education.
This program meets the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (244 CMR 5.00) for 1.00 contact hours of nursing continuing education credit. Advance practice nurses, please note: Educational activities which meet the requirements of the ACCME (such as this activity) count towards 50% of the nursing requirement for ANCC accreditation.
- 1.00 Social Workers
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the MGH Institute of Health Professions is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. MGH Institute of Health Professions maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.00 clock hours for continuing education credits.
- 1.00 Participation
This course allows other providers to claim a Participation Certificate upon successful completion of this course.
Participation Certificates will specify the title, location, type of activity, date of activity, and number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ associated with the activity. Providers should check with their regulatory agencies to determine ways in which AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may or may not fulfill continuing education requirements. Providers should also consider saving copies of brochures, agenda, and other supporting documents.
- 1.00 Psychologists CE Credit
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. MGH Institute of Health Professions designates this activity for 1.00 CE credit.
Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, MGH Institute of Health Professions is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
1.0 Physicians
MGH Institute of Health Professions designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
1.0 Physician Associates/Assistants
AAPA Credit Designation Statement – Live
MGH Institute of Health Professions has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
AAPA Credit Designation Statement – Enduring Materials
MGH Institute of Health Professions has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until {Expiration Date). PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
1.0 Nursing
MGH Institute of Health Professions designates this activity for 1.0 contact hours for nurses. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
1.0 Pharmacists
This activity provides 1.0 contact hours of continuing education credit.
NOTE FOR PHARMACISTS: Upon closing of the electronic evaluation, IHP will upload the pharmacy-related continuing education information to the CPE Monitor within 60 days. Per ACPE rules, IHP does not have access nor the ability to upload credits requested after the evaluation closes. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist or pharmacy technician to provide the correct information [NABP ePID and DOB (in MMDD format)] in order to receive credit for participating in a CE activity.
1.0 Psychologists:
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. MGH Institute of Health Professions designates this activity for 1.0 CE credit.
1.0 Social Workers
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, MGH Institute of Health Professions is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. MGH Institute of Health Professions maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 clock hours for continuing education credits.
1.0 IPCE Credit
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 1.0 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.