Friday, February 8, 2008

Can We Teach These Kids To Dance? Trauma & Attachment-Informed Treatment

Children and adolescents with trauma histories and attachment difficulties often present as the most difficult cases within the social service, mental health, and educational systems. Frequently service providers and educators approach these youth without a context for understanding the behaviors and symptoms associated with trauma and attachment difficulties, or a consistent approach for developing clear, effective treatment interventions for these youth and their families. Recent advances concerning the neuro-developmental impact of trauma, a greater appreciation of the importance of stable attachment relationships on child development, and a focus on evidenced-based practice make it imperative that professionals re-assess their thinking and treatment approaches in light of this new information.

This workshop will examine ways in which the new research and creative thinking in the field of trauma-focused treatment can be integrated into everyday clinical practice, case management, and school-based interventions with youth and their families. Particular attention will be paid to understanding and treating trauma and attachment problems within a strengths-based framework that seeks to enhance the youth's capacity to progress on a positive developmental track. Workshop participants will:

• Obtain a new paradigm for working with youth, ages 6 – 17, with trauma and attachment difficulties based on evidence-based practice
• Access an individualized, strengths-oriented, skills-based developmental treatment approach, decreasing the traditional emphasis on problems and pathology
• Learn how to translate advances in the field into practical intervention strategies

Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, and numerous case examples.

Instructor

Kevin Creeden, M.A., LMHC, is Director of Assessment and Research at the Whitney Academy. He has over 25 years of clinical experience treating children, adolescents, and their families, working extensively with sexually and physically aggressive youth. Mr. Creeden has published articles and book chapters on the neuro-developmental impact of trauma on sexual behavior problems. He is guest faculty in the Boston University School of Social Work advanced training program in trauma-focused treatment. An engaging and dynamic presenter, Mr. Creeden trains and consults internationally.