Upward is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Courtney Worley on her recent book release, which was immediately #1 In New Sleep Book Releases and #1 in new Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Releases on Amazon! Introducing "The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit."
Struggling with restless nights or haunting nightmares? Discover practical solutions, expert insights, and proven strategies in our new book designed to help you reclaim your sleep and peace of mind.
Key Features Include:
-Understanding Sleep Disorders: Dive into the science behind various sleep challenges.
-Nightmare Management Techniques: Effective strategies to reduce and control distressing dreams.
-Cognitive Behavioral Tools: Practical methods to reshape sleep habits.
-Personalized Sleep Plans: Tailored guidance for different sleep issues.
-Expert Insights: Advice from leading sleep specialists.
Get your copy today and start your journey to better sleep!
Upward Partners with University of Alabama Psychology Think Tank!
On October 15th, Dr. Keyes visited the University of Alabama to meet with psychology students and provide a career talk for The Psychology Research Think Tank. Dr. Keyes' talk, "The Evidence-Based Path: A Psychology Career Built on Science and Adaptability," highlighted how empirical evidence can drive clinical practice, consultancy, teaching, and public speaking. She also emphasized the critical roles flexibility and receptiveness play in navigating unexpected challenges and embracing new opportunities.
At Upward, we are invested in our field's up-and-coming psychologists. We are excited to support and promote the wonderful work that University of Alabama Psychology Research Think Tank is producing.
As an evidence-based practice, we value science and the scientific process. The research being conducted by these undergraduate psychology students is sophisticated and inspiring.
To learn more about UA Think Tank visit their website here
Dr. Keyes was a recent guest on the podcast Mental Mixology with host Elex Simon, who shared her own experiences with PTSD. They discussed the impact of trauma on mental health and key PTSD symptoms. Dr. Keyes highlighted the leading evidence-based therapies that effectively treat PTSD. If you want to listen click here.
Dr. Worley attended the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine Annual Conference in Kansas City, Kansas. She was an invited speaker on two symposiums:
The conference also served as a book launch party for Dr. Worley and her co-author and former SBSM President, Dr. Michael Nadorff. The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit is a self-help style workbook using evidence-based interventions to treat sleep and nightmares.
Feldman, E., & Worley, C.Treating Childhood Nightmares with Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, Symposium scheduled for presentation at the 7thannual Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine Conference, Kansas City (October 2025)
Nadorff, M. & Worley, C.Upgrading your Toolbox: Three Empirically Supported Treatments for Nightmare Disorder and Considerations for Special Populations, Symposium scheduled for presentation at the 7th annual Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine Conference, Kansas City (October 2025)
Dr. Worley was featured on the Center for Deployment Psychology’s official podcast: Practical for Your Practice. This episode titled “Evidence-Based Treatment of Nightmare Disorder: Skeptics Welcome!” introduced to the diagnosis of Nightmare Disorder, and explains why it deserves its own attention. She also gave an overview of the most effective treatments including ones she offers at Upward Behavioral Health. You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Upward attended the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, where we enjoyed meeting many members of the community. We got to help people learn more about the highly effective therapy and evaluation solutions we have to offer.
We're proud to share that Dr. Megan Keyes co-authored an International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) fact sheet to support caregivers of individuals who have experienced medical trauma.
Medical trauma can result from various medical events such as surgeries, chronic illnesses, intensive care unit stays, and traumatic injuries, potentially leading to the development of PTSD in patients. These experiences can significantly impact not only the patients but also the caregivers who support them. Common issues for caregivers include emotional and physical exhaustion, strain on personal relationships, and increased stress and anxiety.
The ISTSS Fact Sheet provides valuable information on: - How medical trauma impacts patients and their caregivers - Strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones - Suggestions for promoting caregiver resilience and wellness
Understanding the impact of medical trauma and offering adequate support can alleviate the burden on both patients and caregivers, fostering healthier relationships and better outcomes.
Dr. Worley published a new research article titled Longitudinal Predictors of Insomnia in a Population-Based Sample of U.S. Military Veterans in the Journal of Sleep Research.
In this non-treatment seeking sample, we found that across a 3 year period risk factors for U.S. Veterans developing insomnia included:
-High neuroticism -Attention difficulties -Younger age -History of childhood physical abuse
Risk increased with each factor: -2.4% chance with none -7.3% with one -20.2% with two -45% with three risk factors
Why it matters: Understanding these risks helps tailor assessment, consider risk factors and ideally improve veteran care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard treatment for Insomnia Disorder. It has been studied and proven effective in Veterans and Service members. You can find the Clincial Practicr Guideline here.
Source: Nichter, B., Hill, M. L., Fischer, I., Trachik, B., Worley, C., Schnakenberg Martin, A. M., Na, P. J., & Pietrzak, R. H. (2025). Longitudinal Predictors of Insomnia in a Population-Based Sample of U.S. Military Veterans. Journal of Sleep Research e70224. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.70224.
Dr. Courtney Worley
In case you missed it...this month's blog posts:
Healing and Moving Forward After Infidelity
Discovering a partner’s infidelity can shake your entire sense of security and identity. If you’re feeling confusion, anger, sadness, or numbness, all of those feelings are valid. Healing and moving forward after infidelity is possible, but it takes time, support, and gentle honesty with yourself.
Many people put extensive pressure on themselves to sleep a certain way, at a certain time, with or without certain people. But when we look at world history, our own personal history, and cultures across the world today, we see that there are very few firm “shoulds,” and we can rework patterns and habits that are not serving us.
Understanding Sudden Sleepiness and ADHD: the Science and Solutions
Sudden sleepiness is common experience among individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is characterized by sudden and overwhelming sleepiness, often when the individual's their attention drifts away from a task or situation. This experience can be both frustrating and confusing, but it is rooted in the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD, particularly concerning executive functioning.
Understanding Neurodivergent Focus: The Dual Nature of Under-Focusing and Over-Focusing in ADHD and Autism
Individuals with autism and ADHD often navigate a complex relationship with focus. For some, this manifests as under-focusing, where maintaining attention on tasks can be a significant challenge. Others may experience over-focusing, where intense concentration on specific interests or tasks can lead to challenges in shifting attention or engaging in less preferred activities.
In case you missed it...this month's advice posts:
Up Close with Upward: Running on Empty
Dr. Worley gives some advice on how to prioritize your health when it comes to sleep. She gives some applicable recommendations that people can implement into their daily routine.
