Serving Syracuse, Utica, Auburn, Oswego and surrounding communities
Virtual Workshop
Monday, October 26, 2026
Clinical Considerations in the Treatment of Behavioral Addictions
Speakers: Les Waite, Psy.D. - Van Buren Counseling
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM EST
Where: Live virtual event
NY State Psychology contact hours: 1.5
Details
Clinical Considerations in the Treatment of Behavioral Addictions is sponsored by Central New York Psychological Association.
This presentation provides clinicians with an overview of the clinical assessment and treatment of behavioral addictions, with particular attention to gambling disorder and compulsive sexual behavior. Participants will explore current conceptualizations of behavioral addiction, including underlying reinforcement processes, compulsivity, impulsivity, shame dynamics, and common co-occurring conditions such as trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use.
Evidence-informed treatment approaches will be reviewed from a primarily cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed perspective. Topics will include functional behavioral analysis, relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring, distress tolerance, motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and values-based interventions. The presentation will additionally examine ethical and clinical challenges frequently encountered in this work, including risk assessment, suicidality, secrecy, and maintaining a compassionate, nonjudgmental therapeutic stance while addressing harmful behavioral patterns.
The workshop is widely applicable to mental health practitioners working in a variety of clinical settings including private practice, outpatient clinics, schools and hospital settings.
Meet the Presenter
About Dr. Les Waite
Dr. Les Waite is a licensed psychologist with specialized clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of behavioral addictions, including gambling disorder and compulsive sexual behavior. His work has included providing individual and group psychotherapy in residential, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient settings to adults presenting with compulsive and addictive behavioral patterns frequently associated with trauma histories, mood and anxiety disorders, shame, interpersonal difficulties, and co-occurring substance use concerns. Dr. Waite utilizes evidence-based approaches grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and behavioral interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the core clinical features and reinforcement mechanisms of behavioral addictions with special attention paid to gambling disorder and compulsive sexual behavior.
- Apply evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed interventions in the assessment and treatment of behavioral addictions.
- Recognize and address ethical, relational, and risk-management considerations commonly encountered in the treatment of individuals with behavioral addictions.
Ticket Prices and RSVP Information
By October 12th
- CNYPA Members: $30
- Non-Members: $40
- Student Members: $10
- Student Non-Members: $10
After October 12th
- CNYPA Members: $35
- Non-Members: $45
- Student Members: $15
- Student Non-Members: $15
The registration deadline is 10/24/2026. Any cancellations after this date will be refunded minus a $5 administrative fee.
CE Information:
1.5 CE contact hours are approved for this program. Information regarding earning of CE credits will be sent out to all registered attendees at the conclusion of the event. Please note that there is no additional fee for earning CE credits or receiving certificates.
The Central New York Psychological Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists [#PSY-0333].
Attendance & Cancelation Policy:
To receive credit, you must be present for the entire workshop. You are required to note your name in the chat at the beginning and end of the workshop to receive CE credit. Those arriving more than 5 minutes after the scheduled start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits. All attendees must also complete a Program Evaluation to receive CE credits.
Reserve Your Seat
Complete the form on this page. After submitting you will be forwarded to PayPal to enter your payment information. If you do not also complete the PayPal portion of the payment, your ticket will not be purchased.