Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders

The Unified Protocol (UP) for Emotional Disorders is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, or related difficulties (including obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD] and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]). The UP is a transdiagnostic treatment, which means it can be used to address a range of different disorders and problems. The primary aim of the UP is to help patients practice new ways of recognizing and responding to distressing or difficult emotions in a way that leads to improvement in a range of symptoms. The UP combines several empirically-supported priniciples of change into one treatment including mindfulness, cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. 

Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Director of Clinical Services and Co-founder of CEH is a co-developer of the UP and the founding director of the Unified Protocol Institute. She frequently provides workshops at CEH, throughout Kentucky, and all over the world. She offers a range of training, supervision, and consultation options to meet the needs of community mental health providers, researchers, and students.