Limit Setting & Anger Management with Children & Adolescents

Location:  Springfield, MA - Holiday Inn, Springfield - Holyoke

Often parents and caretakers come to view "limit setting" and "anger management" as a series of techniques to be used or a strategy of rewards and punishments to be implemented. This workshop will discuss interventions with children and adolescents, ages 6-17, who exhibit behavior problems, from the perspective that the goal of any intervention is not to control the child but to teach the child self-control. Facilitating a consistent, supportive attachment between the caretaker and child is fundamental to developing effective behavior management interventions. Workshop participants will:

• Identify and understand processing difficulties that create obstacles for youngsters in regulating their affect and behavior
• Examine how to use the relationship between the parents/caretaker and the child as the primary source of rewards and consequences in managing behavior
• Obtain techniques for helping children and adolescents understand their own behavior and implement proactive behavior management strategies

This workshop is geared for professionals in outpatient and residential settings. It is also appropriate for educators, case managers, and those working in foster care and adoption. Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, and 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 physically and sexually 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 nationally and internationally.