Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Information Therapy (CBIT) into Rehabilitation: A Holistic Approach (January 19, 2027)

Presented by: Megan Vrooman and Theresa Hallenen 

Therapists can struggle to provide evidence-based interventions that address the psychological challenges clients face after hand and upper extremity injuries, especially in fast-paced, productivity-driven environments. Comprehensive care must include the assessment and treatment of psychological well-being to support optimal recovery. This webinar introduces Cognitive Behavioral Informed Therapy (CBIT) as an effective approach to help clients manage both the physical and emotional impacts of their injuries. Therapists will learn practical CBIT interventions, including activity rest cycling, values based goal setting, and support groups, to integrate into their treatment programs for improved client outcomes.  You'll learn to:

• Define the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Informed Therapy and its unique application to hand and upper extremity practice.
• Examine the impact of psychological challenges on patient/client outcomes in a traditional hand and upper extremity practice.
• Formulate hand therapy intervention plan(s) that include principles of Cognitive Behavioral Information Therapy

Target audience and language

Client age groups 

Adolescents (13-19 years old) Adults (20-64 years old) Older adults (65+ years old) 

Areas of practice 

Applicable to all areas of practice (e.g., burnout, group therapy, occupational models) 

 Levels Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

 Language English

Presenter

Megan Vrooman
Megan is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand therapist with 5 years of hand practice experience. She is a clinician at Duke University Health System in North Carolina in the United States as well as a clinical adjunct professor at Bowling Green State University. Megan specializes in injuries of the upper extremity to include primarily post-operative cases such as brachial plexus injuries, pediatric congenital diagnoses, sports injuries, arthritis, fractures/ligament/muscle injuries. When not working, Megan enjoys spending time with family, playing with her dog Miles, traveling, reading, baking, and exercise.

Theresa Hallenen 
Theresa is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with over 10-years of experience. She works for the Duke University Health System as a senior OT. Theresa is a specialist for pre- and post-operative care within the upper extremity orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery to establish a center of excellence dedicated to traumatic nerve injury. She is an avid volunteer with the American Society of Hand Therapy (ASHT) and has served within the leadership committee since 2020.