Trainings

Purpose: Focuses on current trends of adolescent substance use and highlights herbal smoke blends, inhalants and prescription/over-the-counter medication. Provides descriptive information, signs/symptoms of use, biopsychosocial consequences and intervention strategies. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group discussion, video clips/photographs, research/references, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse professionals, probation officers, teachers/educators, other professionals working with youth, parents.

Purpose: Emphasizes the importance of accurate reflective listening, empathy, and effective communication in engaging clients in the treatment process. Provides the rationale for and strategies to achieve genuine engagement in conversation. Drawing from motivational interviewing tenets, the training addresses types of reflection, the importance of self-awareness in session, and places where communication can go “wrong.” Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group/individual discussion and experiential exercises (role plays), handouts, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Open to all professionals who work with clients and client families, parents.

Purpose: Defines the term “self-esteem” and highlights the importance of positive self-esteem for children and adolescents. Illustrates the differences between high and low self-esteem and the consequences of both in the development of identity and self-image. Discusses how both teens themselves and significant others can develop, nurture, and maintain positive self-esteem. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group discussion, handouts, examples/references, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): mental health service professionals, probation officers, teachers/educators, parents

Purpose: Revisiting what constitutes “normal” teenage development, including stages of adolescence, biopsychosocial changes, developmental challenges/milestones, and the range of normal behaviors that are frequently pathologized. The training also addresses the impact of technology, multiculturalism, and the events of the 21st century on normal adolescent development. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group discussion, handouts, talking points, references/statistics, Q&A. Target audience(s): mental health service professionals, probation officers, teachers/educators, parents

Purpose: Increase audience members’ competence in identifying, understanding, and addressing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with anger expression with the goal of improving interpersonal relationships and overall mental health functioning. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group discussion, option for group role play and experiential exercises, talking points, Q&A Target audience(s): 1) Audience members with identified anger management issues (client population), 2) parents of children with anger management problems, and 3) professionals working with populations who have anger management problems

Purpose: Improve the knowledge and skill of professionals conducting biopsychosocial evaluations. Teaches multimodal evaluation to collect a comprehensive database for the determination of a multiaxial diagnosis and eligibility for specific treatment programs. Defines and discusses differential diagnosing and offers a specific “roadmap” for determining working diagnoses for treatment interventions. Enables the learner to think critically about the most appropriate level of intervention and the components of best (and evidence-based) practice based on numerous factors (accessibility, cost, time-frame, multicultural issues, ecosystemic frameworks, etc.). Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, assessment templates/examples, case examples, handouts, group discussion (with group exercises as an option), references/statistics, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, case managers, educators, probation officers.

Purpose: Demonstrates the strategies, techniques, and philosophies behind appropriate assessment of substance use disorders for both adolescents and adults. Defines what constitutes substance use disorders using DSM-IV criteria as well as differential diagnoses in the evaluation and treatment planning process. Enables the learner to think critically about the most appropriate level of treatment intervention and the components of best practice based on numerous factors (accessibility, cost, time-frame, multicultural issues, ecosystemic frameworks, etc.). Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, assessment templates/examples, case examples, handouts, group discussion (with group exercises as an option), references/statistics, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers

Purpose: Highlights the importance of risk assessment in practice, including the evaluation of suicidal and homicidal (or otherwise violent) thoughts and behaviors. Reviews risk factors and warning signs and offers practical suggestions for engaging high-risk individuals and significant others. Reviews theory and recent research on suicide and self-harm and provides tools (and resources/references) for best-practice assessment. The use of safety plans is reviewed along with discussion of ethics and provider responsibility. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, video clips, case examples, discussion points, optional group breakouts, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers

Purpose: Provides the foundation and philosophies of brief strategic family therapy (BSFT), including primary assumptions, techniques, and strategies. Demonstrates the conceptual framework for assessing family systems and developing targeted treatment interventions that challenge faulty and ineffective transactional patterns. Alerts learners to the specific target populations for whom BSFT has been shown to be efficacious in research. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, pre-post tests, handouts, case examples, group discussion, references/statistics, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers

Purpose: Provides the learner with the foundation of cognitive-behavioral theory and interventions for a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. Orients the audience to the research on cognitive-behavioral interventions, discusses and demonstrates the key assumptions and techniques utilized, and offers case examples for application of specific strategies. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, role-plays, handouts, group discussion, research/statistics, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers

Purpose: Identifies, discusses, and applies evidence-based, best-practice, and “common sense” interventions for teenagers with mental health, substance abuse, and a range of emotional-behavioral problems. Demonstrates the effectiveness and logical application of motivational interviewing strategies to engage clients in their own treatment and change process . Uses case examples to highlight various “creative” interventions and the potential varying responses to the clinician’s approach. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, audience participation, role-playing, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Child and adolescent mental health/substance abuse treatment providers, school personnel, juvenile justice professionals. Can be adapted to present to parents.

Purpose: Defines and discusses compassion fatigue and burnout as they relate to those who serve in “helping” roles. Presents an overview of the causes and consequences of these conditions and offers specific strategies for prevention and intervention. Goes beyond traditional “self-care” skills and provides strategies to identify and challenge some of the more salient stresses/triggers that emerge in clinical sessions. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, video clips, self-assessment tools, group discussion, option for role plays, handouts, talking points, references/statistics, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, other “helping” professionals (DSS, CSB, CSU, Probation/Parole, School Workers, Physicians, Nurses, etc.)

Purpose: To increase the confidence and competence of professionals testifying in a court of law. Reviews the various reasons a professional can be asked/called to testify and suggests strategies to effectively prepare for their testimony. Discusses the concept of “perceived professionalism” and offers specific strategies designed to increase influence and credibility. Discusses the difference between being called as a “fact witness” and an “expert witness” and offers suggestions to manage cross-examination. Presents what can/cannot and what should/should not be disclosed in a courtroom on behalf of a client. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, role-plays, group discussion, handouts, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers in a position to testify in court, other professionals who may be called/asked to testify in court on behalf of a client.

Purpose: Presents information on the assessment, diagnoses/differential diagnoses, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions strategies of disruptive behavior disorders. Reviews the revised DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for these disorders and offers strategies for assessment and intervention. Discusses the impact of disruptive behavior disorders on child/adolescent development and contrasts the range of “normal” behaviors with pathological behaviors. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, video clips, case examples, handouts, group discussion, research/statistics, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Child/adolescent mental health/substance abuse treatment providers, school personnel (teachers, counselors, psychologists, social workers), juvenile justice personnel (probation officers).

Purpose: Based on author Daniel Pink’s work, emphasizes intrinsic self-motivation and offers strategies to help others set and accomplish their goals. Explains how the model of reinforcement-punishment rarely works as a motivator; describes the elements of autonomy, mastery, and purpose and their impact on motivation; offers suggestions for implementing the three motivational elements in the workplace. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, references/resources, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Open to all.

Purpose: The new DSM-5 is here…and it’s here to stay (at least until the first revision). The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) contains the necessary information providers need to assess, diagnose, and treat the individuals with whom they work. This training will provide a basic but comprehensive overview of the DSM-5 and will assist professionals in transitioning from the DSM-IV to the DSM-5. It highlights the basic structure of the manual, the reorganization of the chapters, creation of new diagnoses and categories, consolidation and deletion of diagnoses, the deletion of the multiaxial diagnosis, and the new emphasis on assessment measures for improved diagnostic clarity. This training is useful for both clinical professionals who diagnose and treat mental illness and masters-prepared workers who develop service plans based on DSM diagnoses regardless of setting. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, case examples, references/resources, talking points, group discussion, Q&A. Target audience(s): All mental health/substance abuse professionals.

Purpose: Since its somewhat chaotic release in May 2013, the DSM-5 has received both praise and criticism. Many professionals in the mental health field have begun the transition from the DSM-IV to the revised manual, though many questions about application, utilization, and coding persist – especially since the initiation of ICD-10 codes has been delayed until 2015. Additional confusion exists when providers and agencies, working collaboratively on cases, are looking through different DSM “lenses.” This training not only reviews some of the challenges social workers (and other professionals) face in this transition, but revisits the arguments for caution when applying diagnostic criteria to a set of symptoms and potentially pathologizing “normal” behavior. The workshop discusses strategies for review of the content of the DSM-5 and for the application of critical (and common-sense) thinking to the not so “black and white” categorical world of mental health. Additional attention will be given to the “new” way of documenting diagnostic formulations based on DSM-5’s non-axial system and to the importance of a clinically sound diagnostic summary. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, handouts, talking points, group discussion and team exercises, talking points, Q&A, citations/resources/references. Target audience(s): Child, adolescent, and adult mental health/substance abuse treatment professionals

Purpose: Explores the practice of self-harm and self-mutilation by individuals and offers research-based models of etiology/motivation, intent, and treatment intervention. Identifies various forms and typologies of self-harming behavior and discusses the range of severity for each. Explores worker’s thoughts and reactions to working with individuals who engage in self-mutilating behaviors and offers a list of practical “dos” and “don’ts” that assist in the engagement of these clients in the treatment process. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, pictures (some graphic), research/statistics, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Clinicians who work with, or may work with, individuals who self-harm or are at risk for self-harm, school personnel, juvenile justice personnel, probation and parole professionals.

Purpose: Introduces the need and rationale to develop positive and impactful leadership in our working relationships – regardless of the “roles” we assume. Explores and addresses both practical and ethical guidelines to effectively lead a multigenerational field of professionals into the new millennium and to prepare them for their roles as the “new paladins” – determined advocates and defenders of a noble cause. Verbalizes the differences between “management” and “leadership” and provides attendees the opportunity to identify their own individual leadership styles and to discuss practical application of them. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, leadership references/research, self-assessment tools, group discussion/interaction, handouts, talking points, Q&A. Video clips an option. Target audience(s): Non-specific. Can be geared and /or adapted for most audiences.

Purpose: Provides a foundation for speaking and presenting like a leader; not merely presenting information for its own sake, but in ways that shape how audiences think and influence how they will act. Reinforces the premise that the speaker’s thoughts, convictions, vision, and character need to shine through in every performance – manifesting themselves in what is said (and how the speaker says it). Provides specific strategies to prepare presentations and speeches, connect with audiences, understand the type of “message” to be delivered, effectively open and close a talk, and how to increase command and confidence. Format/process for delivery: Live examples/modeling, handouts, group/individual exercises, references/resources, PowerPoint (optional), group/instructor feedback, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Non-specific. Can be geared/adapted for most audiences.

Purpose: Introduces attendees to the concept and philosophy of evidence-based treatment. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are defined as interventions that have shown consistent scientific evidence of producing preferred client outcomes. Discusses the criteria that constitute evidence-based practice and the levels of evidence and provides reference material on evidence-based interventions for some common adolescent and adult disorders. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, references/research, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A.

Purpose: Provides information and rationale for addressing the emotional and sensory components of trauma (versus targeting behaviors explicitly). Identifies the major themes of trauma and discusses three major principles of trauma work: establishing safety; “telling” the trauma story and working toward meaning, acceptance and control; and building resilience. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, research/references/statistics, case examples, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers; school personnel and educators, court service unit professionals, clinical supervisors

Purpose: Provides definition of and rationale for intensive case management as a critical component of effective evidence-based client care – and as a best-practice intervention in and of itself. Highlights the importance of consistent and effective communication between and among service providers and demonstrates the efficacy of multi-systemic and wrap-around services. Discusses the importance of leadership development and application of leadership skills in the role of case manager. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, group discussion/exercises, case examples, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health/substance abuse case managers, counselors, clinicians.

Purpose: Based on the successful Larceny Reduction Program at NCG, introduces attendees to the assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention strategies of larcenous (stealing and theft) behaviors among adolescents. Highlights both the Learning to Change and Motivational Enhancement models designed to identify, challenge, and alter characteristic patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior consistent with larcenous (and other criminal) activities. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, research/statistics, group discussion, handouts, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Adolescent mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, court services personnel (juvenile probation).

Purpose: Applies effective leadership principles and strategies to parenting and/or teaching to increase the positive influence and credibility of parents, caretakers, and others. Demonstrates how effective leadership skills transfer to youth and improve their self-esteem, self-concept, and adaptive behaviors across multiple domains. Highlights the importance of consistency, structure, and positive role-modeling. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, audio/video clips, references/resources, handouts, group discussion, case examples, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Parents, teachers, mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, court-services unit personnel.

Purpose: Two-part training on group development and facilitation. Part I focuses on the creation and maintenance of groups, building and nurturing the group culture, and, finally, the activation and “illumination” of a “here-and-now” focus in group settings. Part II highlights the theory of group therapy and its application generally and to specialized groups, the roles of the leader, and communication/response styles. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, group discussion and participation, handouts, option for video clips, group case examples, references/resources, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers – and other professionals interested in a foundation for group work.

Purpose: Drawing from research, presents models of clinical supervision for clinicians providing both licensure and general clinical supervision. Some of the general categories include, but are not limited to, developmental models, integrated models, and orientation-specific models. The backgrounds and rationale for each are discussed and attendees discuss/process the rationale (and pros/cons) for their consideration of a particular approach with their supervisees. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, references/resources, group discussion, case examples, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers providing or moving into a supervisory position.

Purpose: Introduces attendees to the “spirit” of motivational interviewing (MI), including the philosophy, strategies, and techniques designed to elicit positive change talk and move clients in the direction of change. Trainings can be offered in half-day, full-day, or multiple-day formats. Extended trainings provide opportunities for attendees to more thoroughly understand, apply and practice the strategies of the model including assessment of readiness to change, use of the primary MI techniques (OARS), utilizing reflective listening, identifying and eliciting change talk, converting change talk to action, and reinforcing autonomy and self-efficacy. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, role-plays, video clips, references/resources, group discussion and participation, experiential exercises, handouts, talking points, “homework” and field practice, Q&A. Target audience(s): Open to all professionals who work with clients and client families.

Purpose: Provides a rationale for cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence in work with clients from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Explains behavioral characteristics and communication patterns across cultures and stresses the importance of moving beyond “minor concessions” to diversity toward true cultural competency. Introduces an ecosystemic model of assessment and engagement that considers multiple contexts (individual, family, social, cultural, ethnic, macro, etc.) to more empathetically engage clients and family systems in the process of care. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, cultural competency “quiz,” case examples, references/resources, group discussion, handouts, talking points, Q&A. Option for panel discussion. Target audience(s): Open to all professionals who work with clients and client families.

Purpose: Addresses the critically important issue of professional boundaries in clinical work, emphasizing ethical work, appropriate relationships, and standards of care. Defines the term “professional boundaries” and explores what constitutes boundary infractions – including the range of boundary infractions (unintentional to malicious and intentional). Discusses the impact of appropriate versus inappropriate boundaries on client care and outcome. Presents ethical dilemmas for discussion and debate and offers strategies for increasing professional and ethical awareness. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, handouts (including code of ethics), group discussion, group problem-solving, references/resources, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): All treatment providers and professionals in “working” relationships with clients.

Purpose: Provides attendees with a foundation of information regarding the impact of drug-induced changes in mood, sensation, thought, and behavior. Presents an overview of how drugs/chemicals generally enter the body and interact with particular target sites or receptors in the nervous system that result in widespread changes in physiological and psychological functioning. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, video clips and slides, handouts, references/resources, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): All professionals.

Trainer: Frank Valentine, MS, CSAC and member of the ncgCARE Institute Speakers Bureau Purpose: Work and life are oceans of change. These oceans are often turbulent and full of unseen pitfalls. Riding the waves of change teaches you how to conquer the waves, and not drown in a sea of sharks. This popular training raises insight and awareness on the personal and professional effects of change as well as provides pragmatic interventions to offset work place negativity in the wake of such change. The training is interactive with an audio visual presentation and group participation. No bathing suit necessary! Raffle giveaways at the conclusion of training. Format: 3 hour trainings.

Purpose: Explores the growing world of social media, and the benefits and harm that it imposes on our youth to include cyber-bullying and sexting. Discussion will center around understanding the medium, the benefits and opportunities it provides our youth, and the risk for harm and trauma. Discussion will also follow the psychosocial impact of social media on the child and the culture. Strategies will be offered for parents and professionals on how to remain “linkedIn” with their children, and how to protect, guide, and benefit children through its use. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, references/resources/statistics, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): All professionals working with children and adolescents, and parents.

Purpose: Provides a general but extensive overview of most drugs of abuse. Introduces attendees to the most commonly abused psychoactive drugs in each drug “family” and discusses typical routes of entry, mechanisms of action, and primary biopsychosocial consequences. Reviews signs/symptoms of use, current trends of use, and “street” terminology. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint (slides, video clips), handouts, references/resources, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Option for “quiz” to assess current knowledge and address myths. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, all other professionals interested in learning basic information about substances of abuse and related consequences. Can be adapted for presentation to parents and adolescents.

Purpose: Educates attendees on the rationale and procedures for drug/alcohol testing. Reviews types of testing currently used (urine, blood, hair, breath) and types of substances targeted in testing procedures. Discusses the use of laboratory testing, importance of chain of custody procedures, and collection methods. Reviews the protocol for setting up testing programs, strategies to talk with clients about drug testing and dealing with denials of substance use in individuals who test positive for substances. Reviews methods that clients may attempt to use in order to “beat” tests and reviews how to interpret lab reports. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case/lab examples, review and practice of filling out chain of custody forms and conducting a breathalyzer exam, references/resources, group discussion, option for role-playing (discussions with clients), handouts, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse professionals who are or may be providing/recommending drug testing, all other professionals working with clients who receive drug testing.

Purpose: Illustrates and explores the impact of substance use and substance-related disorders on family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Discusses different family systems theories and offers strategies for addressing substance use issues in both individual and family contexts. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, references/resources/statistics, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals.

Purpose: Provides attendees with concrete and research-based information on the prevalence, use, and consequences of inhalant abuse. Discusses current trends among youth, types of products used, and routes of administration. Reviews signs/symptoms of use, reasons for selection, and the importance of immediate intervention. Discusses the phenomenon of “sudden sniffing death” and how intervention with an individual under the influence of an inhalant needs to follow specific guidelines. Reviews short- and long-term consequences of use and discusses the types of treatments that are unique to inhalant abusers. Offers suggestions on how to “talk” to children and adolescents about the dangers of inhalant use without promoting increased “curiosity” about inhalants. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint (with photos and video clips), handouts, product “demonstrations,” references/resources and statistics, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, all other professionals working with children, adolescents and their families, parents.

Purpose: Raises awareness of audience members regarding the increasing prevalence and impact of prescription drug and over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse – particularly among youth. The primary goal is to provide those in a position to influence others at risk (or currently using) updated and factual information about the nature, course, and treatment of this “type” of substance use. Dispels commonly held myths, identifies the most “popularly” used substances, illustrates signs and symptoms of use, and offers suggestions for “talking” and acting to intervene. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, photographs, video clips, research/references/statistics, handouts, group discussion and option for role-plays, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, court-services unit personnel, school personnel and educators (including coaches), other professionals working with youth.

Purpose: Educates audience members about the mechanisms of action and subsequent impact of substances on the brain and body of the user. Reviews basic neurochemistry terms, the role of neurotransmitters and receptors in drug effects, and the potential short- and long-term consequences of substance use on the brain and body. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, photographs, video clips, references/resources/statistics, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, other professionals interested in basic information about the physiological impact of substance use.

Purpose: Introduces audience members to the rewards and risks of “professional helping.” Challenges attendees to consider the motivations for entering their chosen field and offers practical suggestions for self-care, professional boundaries, and ethical practice. Highlights the importance of leadership development and professional/personal commitment to growth. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, audience self-assessment tool and “quiz,” handouts, references/resources, group discussion, option for experiential exercises and role plays, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Open to all professionals, students/interns and others seeking more information and insight into the human services field.

Purpose: Based on the NCG treatment philosophy, discusses the nature of true collaborative treatment planning and goal-setting with clients and client families. Demonstrates strategies to engage clients in discussions about change, offers suggestions for setting appropriate concrete and practical goals, and reviews strategies for monitoring and evaluating progress. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, treatment plan templates, group discussion and experiential exercises, handouts, references/resources, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals.

Purpose: Defines the term “trauma” in the context of therapy with children/adolescents and explores different types of reactions to trauma and grief. Discusses the importance of staying “grounded” and developing a renewed sense of safety. Reviews and processes the physical side of trauma and emphasizes strategies for regulating emotions associated with trauma/grief. Further illustrates the impact of trauma on self-perception and provides concrete tools to engage clients in the healing process. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, case examples, references/resources/statistics, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, school personnel and educators, clinicians and supervisors.

Purpose: Highlights the importance of developing and sustaining a culture of trust in an organization. It defines the term “trust” along with its primary constructs and illustrates the collective benefits of trust. Workshop attendees will learn strategies to build and repair trust – and will be able to identify the key characteristics of trustworthy leaders and trust-based organizational actions and policies. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, handouts, references/resources, individual/group leadership trust quizzes, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Open to most organizations and agencies.

Purpose: Introduces attendees to the Stages of Change model and explores how to assess readiness to change in client work. Offers strategies for engagement of and intervention with clients based on their “stage” of change. Defines and discusses application of consciousness raising, counter-conditioning, and reinforcement management. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, references/resources, handouts, group discussion and experiential exercises, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, court services unit professionals, school personnel and educators, clinical supervisors.

Purpose: Reviews the tumultuous years of adolescent development, including the striving to successfully negotiate developmental milestones and tasks. An emphasis is placed on the sexual development of teenagers within the context of today’s fast-paced, technological world. The training highlights the “normal” sexual development of youth and explores what might indicate “problems.” Suggestions for helping teens negotiate identity development are reviewed. A specific emphasis is placed on the unique developmental challenges of LGBTQ youth and the risks they face in negotiating healthy sexual development. Essential areas of knowledge for professionals working with adolescents is reviewed. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, video clips, references/resources, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A.

Purpose: Defines and illustrates the opportunities and challenges of young adulthood as they relate to clinical work and human development of clients. Provides an overview of psychosocial development and the characteristic areas of conflict and problems in this development stage. Discusses strategies for clinicians to improve understanding and engagement of young adult clients in counseling. Illustrates the changing culture and context of the times as it relates to young adulthood at present. Format/process for delivery: PowerPoint, case examples, references/resources/statistics, handouts, group discussion, talking points, Q&A. Target audience(s): Mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, educators, court-services unit personnel, other professionals working with a young adult population.