0113 - Calming the Storms of Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents

Course Description

Hours: 12

Clinicians are experiencing a rise in children, youth and their families struggling to cope with debilitating symptoms that are affecting their day-to-day lives. There is a growing need for therapists to expand their understanding as to the complexity of potential influences, including recent events, as well as develop effective interventions for anxiety and depression across childhood to adolescence. In addition, therapists are increasingly being called upon to work collaboratively with communities, such as schools and extra-curricular organizations, to assist in better serving struggling young people.

Childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression must consider the relationship between the larger systemic context of the 21st century and individual and family stress related to challenges with diminished internal and external resources, culture, developmental transitions, etc. Discussions will also focus on individual and family resiliency within a strength-based perspective. Participants can expect lively discussions, a multi-media presentation and hands-on practical applications and exercises.

With the focus on anxiety and family interventions, over the course of two days we will explore:

• The various forms of anxiety with an emphasis on generalized and social anxiety as well as school avoidance.
• The characteristics of anxiety and depression and associated developmental frameworks in understanding symptoms on a continuum.
• Individual, family and broader systemic influences, including parenting and family dynamics,  the role of social media, societal demands and expectations.
• Various models of practice to assist children, youth and their families (i.e. attachment, CBT, ACT, narrative, CPS).

This workshop will offer numerous practical skills and interventions, case examples, practice exercises, video clips and rich discussions as experiences are shared by the instructor and participants. In addition, there will be useful handouts for future referencing.

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate : Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate