Courses & Workshops

Introduction to Mediation: Conflict Resolution Skills in the Therapeutic Milieu
May 8, 2009, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Of special interest to:
Mental health professionals, teachers, guidance counselors, and other professionals working with children and families.

Participants will learn:
• How to manage disputes when working with couples and families
• How to apply mediation skills in various settings
• To identify and model effective negotiation skills

The Chinese symbol for the word “crisis” is made up of two characters, one meaning “danger,” and the other “opportunity.” While there is some danger inherent in conflict, there is ample opportunity to build relationship and gain insight. Mediation is not only a time and cost effective alternative to litigation, but also helps empower the parties engaged in the process. This course will help therapists and other professionals gain a better understanding of how to use interpersonal conflict as a positive agent of change, and how mediation skills can be used to help conduct time effective family therapy.

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Transference and Countertransference: Clinical Applications
May 21, 2008, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Of special interest to:
Social workers, psychologists and other clinicians.

Participants will learn:
•How to recognize, understand and respond to transferential and countertransferential motives in a variety of clinical situations
• Attention will be focused on clinical impasses
• To help parents establish a safe and consistent home environment
• Clinicians will be offered guidance regarding the management of therapeutic challenges
• Participants will be expected to present their own case material

In this workshop the meaning of transference and countertransference will be elucidated. The classical definition of transference and countertransference will be contrasted with their meaning and role in other schools of thought, such as object relations, self psychology, intersubjectivity and interpersonal psychoanalysis. Part of the training will be focused on clinical application. The presenter and the participants will discuss case material, including process, and will identify and analyze transferential and countertransferential themes.

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Psychological First Aid in Schools
May 28, 2009, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Of special interest to:
Social workers, psychologists, guidance counselors or other human service professionals.

Participants will learn:
• How Psychological First Aid can be an effective first response following a crisis or disaster
• Underlying concepts and core actions
• Under what conditions it should be used and by whom
• About self-care and the prevention of secondary traumatization

Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed approach to helping adults, adolescents and children in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. It provides guiding principles and specific techniques which prepare clinicians, advocates and community service providers to mobilize after a disaster. The modular approach is based upon evidence of risk and resilience following critical events. The techniques can be used in the field, are culturally informed and designed to be delivered in a flexible, developmentally consistent manner. Attendees will learn and rehearse this modular approach.

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Using Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy for Children with Affect Dysregulation
June 5, 2009, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Of special interest to:
Mental health professionals working with children (ages 4-18) with moderate to severe behavioral difficulties. Emphasis on clients who have experienced family and community violence

Participants will learn:
• How to identify the various functions of disruptive behavior
• Group and individual interventions tailored to clients' developmental levels, interests, strengths, and areas of dysfunction.

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