CEs Available: 6    |     One Day Training      |     In-Person

Anxiety is one of the most pervasive mental health concerns of childhood and adolescence, but it is very manageable. With modern advances in neuroscience, brain imaging and research, we have never been in a stronger position to understand anxiety and respond with targeted, powerful therapeutic interventions. Modern insights have greatly expanded our capacity to support young people through anxiety, and broadened their capacity to engage with all aspects of daily life with tenacious levels of resilience and courage. This workshop will draw on neuroscience and a number of highly respected therapeutic models to support practitioners in deepening their understanding of anxiety in young people, and their therapeutic response. This will be bolstered by a ground-up approach, as we extend the exploration of what works, by understanding ‘how’. 

Additional Information

Schedule

This is an in-person training taking place September 25, 2023 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT. View agenda.

About the Presenter

Karen Young, Masters in Gestalt Therapy, began her career as a psychologist in private practice. She has worked extensively with children teens and families, and in educational and organisation settings. She has lectured and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. Karen created Hey Sigmund, an internationally popular online resource with a particular emphasis on strengthening the mental wellness of children and adolescents. Karen is a sought-after speaker and consultant and works with schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent-focused organisations, both in Australia and overseas to build resources, implement procedures, and support the professional development of staff. To learn more, visit Hey Sigmund.

Summary Points

• The neurobiology of anxiety and how to use this as a scaffold for therapeutic change;
• The different ways anxiety can manifest in young children and adolescents;
• How anxiety can interfere with learning and higher-order functioning, and how to respond to strengthen learning, behavioural, and relational outcomes;
• Making sense of separation anxiety and school refusal, and how to respond effectively to support brave behaviour;
• How to support parents in being change-makers;
• Practical ways to respond to anxiety in the moment to make way for calm and courage;
• The four key responses to anxiety, and how to use this to inform a more effective response.

Learning Objectives

• Understand and describe the neuroscience which underlies anxiety
• Utilize neuroscientific understanding to effect therapeutic change in a young person’s understanding and experience of anxiety.
• Describe at least 3 practical strategies for children to calm anxiety, and build courage and resilience.
• Describe why it is important to enlist parents as change-makers
• Demonstrate at least 3 practical strategies parents can use to respond to anxiety in their young person in a way that builds brave behaviour.

Who Should Attend?

People who work with children and families in many different capacities will benefit from training programs offered by The Theraplay Institute. Visit our Who Should Attend page for more information. This course’s Content Level is Intermediate.

Notes

For information about our CE process, cancellation policy, and how to contact us with questions and concerns visit our FAQ page. Attendance of the entirety of a program (in-person or virtual) is required in order to receive continuing education or a letter of completion.

There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

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