In addition to understanding the nature and importance of neurodiversity affirming care, this training will cover nuanced terminology and diagnoses associated with neurodiversity. In addition, participants will learn strategies for supporting clients and students with a strengths-based approach.

This training introduces the concept of executive functioning, associated skills, and practical strategies that counselors can start using right away. Counselors will learn what executive functioning is, what can cause executive dysfunction, practical examples of executive functioning difficulties in daily life, and how to strengthen and accommodate executive functioning weaknesses.

This training will review the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their impact on relationships and communication. It will delve into often overlooked aspects of ADHD including how symptoms present differently in adults and women, the role of emotion dysregulation, and the importance of executive functioning skill-building. It will provide practical strategies, resources, and case examples to help individuals and clients with ADHD better understand their relationship difficulties and strengths in order to improve overall relationship quality.

Through this training, counselors understand how to more accurately identify symptoms of ADHD and adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach to treatment. Additionally, this training addresses unique considerations for ADHD in adults and women, and practical strategies to better support Adult ADHD clients.

This presentation offers a meaningful definition of neurodiversity and introduces key ways that neurodivergence may impact children and young adults in their learning environments. Participants will gain practical strategies for adopting a neurodiversity affirming approach and supporting students in advocating for their well-being and educational success.

In addition to learning key concepts related to ADHD symptoms during the transition to college, participants will apply these concepts to practical scenarios. This training will cover contemporary research to help participants understand the developmental needs of young adult students with ADHD. Counselors will learn to identify ADHD symptoms and support clients in advocating for mental health care and accommodations on college campuses.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a complex life stage with significant challenges and opportunities. This training offers a comprehensive overview of developmental factors that impact mental health during emerging adulthood and practical strategies for developmentally appropriate treatment. Topics covered include: identity development in emerging adulthood, building rapport with emerging adult clients, and cultivating a therapeutic balance of guidance and client autonomy.

Career decisions, family dynamics, education, and navigating identity are just some of the monumental transitions that commonly occur between the ages of 18-29. Emerging adulthood is a unique developmental stage full of excitement and opportunity. However, the drastic psychological and interpersonal changes that occur during this time can also increase emerging adults’ risk for mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. This presentation offers a nuanced understanding of the unique developmental considerations that impact mental health and risk-taking behavior during this pivotal life stage. Participants will learn about both risk factors and protective factors in the emerging adult population and be given practical strategies for supporting mental health needs.

Young people undergo significant role changes and dramatic psychological changes as they begin to navigate adulthood. This training addresses several interconnected factors influencing the high rate of substance abuse among emerging adults, with the critical role of trauma being the primary focus. In addition to a nuanced understanding of the relationship between trauma and substance abuse, participants will gain practical strategies and resources to support emerging adults in their personal and professional lives.

Self-care is a well-known phrase, but what is its true definition?  Self-care is more than an abstract concept or a set of activities associated with wellness. Ultimately, self-care is about holistic lifestyle practices that promote sustained well-being. This training offers a practical approach to understanding contemporary research on wellness and burnout prevention. Participants will learn which self-care activities yield the most “bang for their buck” in terms of their benefits and the time investment required.

Key takeaways from this presentation include:

·       A holistic definition of self-care

·       Key components of effective self-care practice

·       Solutions for leveraging motivation and making healthy habits sustainable

·       Template for creating a 5-step self-care action plan

Trauma survivors experience significant distress that can be detrimental to overall mental health. Through the process of effective coping, however, some survivors come to experience profound personal growth that yields long-lasting benefits. This training offers practical tools that clinicians can use to help clients actively promote post-traumatic growth.