.jpg)
Clinician Trainings
As clinicians, we get very little graduate school training programs on substance use, process addictions, prevention science, or the skills to effectively work specifically with adolescents to intervene in self-destructive behaviors. These trainings are relevant & adaptable for PREVENTION SPECIALISTS & MEDICAL PERSONNEL also.
Trainings are available in-person or virtually and can be extended into multiple hour programs.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
-
Workshops include a PDF of the presentation slides, and a wealth of handouts and resources to use in working directly with clients and their parents.
-
Participants become automatic "members" of this website giving them unlimited access to regularly updated "members only" resources.
-
All virtual presentations are held on Zoom, recorded, and placed on a private YouTube link for your access forevermore!
Note: I am not yet an independent approved CEU provider through an accredited agency.
Workshops
Catching Them Upstream
Early Intervention Counseling with
Adolescents Using Substances
Research tells us middle and high schoolers who use are at much higher risk than adults of developing Use Disorders, and more destructive consequences. Counselors can play an impactful role in intervening early in use through individual and group settings, but we need artful skills to get through to kids who are swimming in pro-use influences and misinformation. Participants will learn how to artfully weave together motivational interviewing, CBT, solution-focus, and “teen communication Jedi” skills to catalyze self-awareness and change in a minimal amount of sessions, including tangible activities for use in clinical or educational settings. We will discuss issues related to partnering with parents (including those who use), and the ethics and legality of addressing substance use with minors.
Training Length: 60-90 mins.
Addiction-Proofing Our Youth
in an Addictive World
The variety, rates and danger of addictive disorders are increasing in our youth - from substances to screens, gambling to self-harm - and initiation into them is getting progressively younger. We can play a powerful role in prevention and early intervention with our young clients who are at higher risk. I will cover proven risk factors that can be a “recipe for addiction,” diagnostic tools for identifying Use Disorders, and share my “Addiction-Proofing” model that we can utilize in partnering with parents and schools to prevent and intervene early in self-destructive behaviors.
Training Length: 75-90 mins.
Xans, Dabs & Fent, Oh My!
New School Drug Ed for Clinicans
Substances and use trends among our adolescent clients are constantly changing, and the research on their risks is ever-evolving. These substances are becoming increasingly potent, addictive, appealing, dangerous, and easier to conceal. We have the opportunity to be trustworthy legitimate sources of information on drugs to counteract the sea of myths they are swimming in. This training is a deep-dive into the most recently updated research and science on how today’s drugs and alcohol can impact youth users.
Training Length: 60-90 mins.
VapeLife, Liberty & The Pursuit of Fat Clouds
Understanding & Intervening in Youth Nicotine & THC Use
Modern nicotine & cannabis vaping products are becoming more potent, appealing, and easier to conceal, leading to higher addiction potential, greater impairment, and negative physical, cognitive and mental health impacts for our youth. This interactive session will review current research on the risks to developing adolescent brains and bodies, and discuss other emerging vaping products. We will talk about how to deliver impactful psycho-education to adolescent clients, and utilize motivation interviewing, CBT and evidence-based behavioral strategies to support change in use.
Training Length: 60-90 mins
THC Teen-Whispering
Gaining Trust and Influence in a Pro-Cannabis Culture
For Prevention Specialists & Medical Personnel. As THC risks rise, youth perception of harm is decreasing. Having impactful conversations about cannabis is increasingly challenging as legalization, marketing, media, and even family messages saturate kids with myths that normalize and encourage use. Grounded in prevention science and extensive experience working with youth, this session equips attendees with “teen-whispering” skills that speak relevantly and respectfully to adolescent brains, values, and realities, while earning their trust as credible sources of information, guidance, and support. Participants will leave with ready-to-use approaches proven to shape healthy attitudes and decision-making about cannabis.
Training Length: 60-90 mins