In addition to working in Behavioral Health, my original background was in Biological Sciences, and I worked in the fitness industry for many years.  I recently enjoyed a stint tutoring Anatomy and Physiology at Santa Barbara City College. For many years I taught Pilates and Yoga, and currently work with a small number of clients as an NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I had also considered a career in Physical Therapy, but ultimately landed in Behavioral Health and Social Services.  

While looking into Physical Therapy programs, I volunteered in many clinical settings. I noticed a considerable overlap in the PT profession, and mental health profession.

As a result, I developed some fun and informative trainings in order to assist Physical Therapists with tools to effectively manage psychological/emotional issues PT’s face with patients in their daily jobs.

I had learned after speaking with many PT’s that while some newer schools minimally addressed the importance of empathy and the patient/provider rapport, there was a gap in the traditional PT school curriculum in this area.

The Physical and Occupational therapy profession is one unlike many medical-based professions except for Psychotherapy, in that a provider may be working longer term with a patient, therefore the interpersonal relationship can be considered an important factor in patient success.

These trainings take in account the perspectives of a frequent PT patient, pre-PT student, and licensed mental health professional.  All trainings are based upon personal experience and evidence-based research in both fields.

Mental Health Informed Physical Therapy Trainings Include:

The Importance of Mindfulness and Empathy

This training uses evidence-based methods to strengthen the patient/provider relationship by learning to identify opportunities to improve rapport based on mindfulness and empathy skills.

  • Research supports that providers who practice mindfulness and empathy generate higher patient satisfaction, and patient compliance with treatment plans.

  • Strategies are provided to address common barriers for effective dialogue around patients’ psychological distress that frequently show up in physical therapy settings.

Developing these skills will help improve rapport, therefore improving patient engagement out outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Physical Therapists

CBT involves learning how thoughts and beliefs impact emotions and behaviors. Many times individuals hold limiting beliefs that impact themselves and others negatively, and often people aren’t aware of these beliefs. This training reviews many common limiting beliefs amongst both providers and patients, and how to develop helpful “thinking reframes” for patients that may improve motivation and outcomes.

Identifying and Managing Patient Mental Health in PT Treatment

  • Learn basic indicators of common DSM anxiety and depressive disorders that may hinder treatment, and ways to facilitate brief, useful conversations to address PT concerns.

  • Learn and Identify counter-transference (provider reactions that may be barriers to effective communication and treatment) with patients.

  • Identify “red-flags,” that may arise when patients present with more significant mental health diagnoses, and when to make an appropriate referral to a mental health professional.

Consultations Offered


For Physical/Occupational Therapists

I offer individual or group consultation sessions in 30 to 90-minute blocks to review information regarding any of the above topics. These consultations/trainings can be conducted via Zoom or in-person depending on your location for any clinic or classroom.

For Psychotherapists

Assessing Risk of Harm to Self and Others (for Therapists, Therapist Trainees, Interns, Associates)

Assessing for risk of harm to self and others is a crucial skill that many therapists, unless you complete several hours of training in a high-crisis setting, may not have this type of experience. Based on years of training and experience and working in high crisis settings, I can offer consultations to clinicians and pre-licensed students/associates, in order to improve your skill set in working with clients/patients who are higher risk. Coping-skills-based safety planning and other treatment tips will be discussed to improve your engagement and outcome with higher risk clients.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping

I offer trainings and consultations on the background and basics of EFT. You can read about EFT throughout the website. If you would like me to speak to your class or consult individually, please contact me about rates and options for presentations/consultations from anywhere between 15 minutes to one hour.

Cecily Longo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC#86591