Show, Tell & Do
Retraining the Brain for Executive Functioning through Therapy
Presenters: Melissa Johnson, PhD and Anna Hasbun
Abstract/Description:
In this post-pandemic and digitally saturated world, therapists, educators, researchers and parents recognize increased challenges with focus and executive functioning for youth. Our two experts, Anna Hasbun and Dr. Melissa Johnson bring together contemporary research and applications from education, psychology and neuroscience to provide practical strategies and tools. This dynamic and interactive presentation is designed to equip clinicians and counselors in their support of their clients, students, parents and caregivers.
When: Friday, July 12th
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: Zoom
CE units: 2.0
Cost: $120 early bird cost for the training, $150 after July 5th
REGISTER NOW
Participants will gain:
- An understanding of executive functioning for children and teens in today’s over stimulating environments; perspectives from contemporary neuroscience included
- Child and teen accessible frameworks and in-session tools to help youth understand and develop their own EF; this includes a neural pathway mini-lesson that helps kids and parents understand and retrain the brain
- Strategies therapists can use in session to help youth develop the social and emotional skills that intersect with EF
- Tips for strength-based parent conversations
- When and how to refer for additional support
SCHEDULE/AGENDA:
9:00am – 9:10am: Welcome, Introductions, and our neurodivergent-affirming lens
9:10am – 9:25am: What is Executive Functioning and what therapists (and parents, teachers, coaches and others) need to understand
9:25am – 9:45am: Neuro pathway Mini Lesson
9:45am – 10:25am: Frameworks and metaphors for retraining the brain:
- Teaching kids to understand “body and brain states” and to pay attention to the nervous
- system
- Teaching kids to engage in self-care and self-talk for regulation and EF
- Framework for action-oriented change talk and problem- solving
- Understanding the value of data versus feelings and teaching kids how to attend to these
10:25am – 10:50am: Engaging students/clients and parents in affirming applications
- Metaphors and stories are powerful!
- Facilitating students/clients creation of their own relevant metaphors and stories
- Promoting the value of repetition
- Motivating between session practice for most significant outcomes
- Engaging and training parents in understanding the brain and developing realistic and affirming approaches in parenting
10:50 – 11:00am: Wrapping up with take aways
PRESENTERS
Melissa J Johnson, PhD (she/her) (PSY 13102), is the founder & CEO of the Institute for Girls’ Development in Pasadena, CA. An expert on child and teen development with a Masters in Education and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Johnson has worked with children and teens for over 35 years. At the Institute, Dr. Johnson and her team deliver strength-based therapy, inspiring educational programs, and consultation with schools and districts to help create positive school climates. Dr. Johnson’s approach to raising and mentoring girls draws together contemporary research in neuroscience, mind/body health, and evidence-based interventions in mindfulness and social and emotional intelligence. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work with girls, a prolific writer and an inspiring public speaker and trainer. The book Stand Up! Speak Out!™ Empowering Skills for Girls’ Friendships: The Essential Guide for Educators and Others Who Work with Girls is available to provide practical tools for those who mentor girls.
Anna Hasbun CEO/Owner and Director of Stepping Stones to Learning and an Academic Life Coach
Anna works directly with local independent schools to develop individualized education plans for their students and runs workshops for students at local public and private schools on how to build executive functioning skills.
She shares a deep passion for our children’s education and an excitement about the unique capabilities Stepping Stones has to unlock the possibilities inside of every student. She holds a bachelor’s degree in consumer sciences with a minor in marketing from California State University, Northridge, as well as certificates in Academic Life Coaching, Dr. Ross Green’s Collaborative, Proactive Problem Solving Approach, Mindfulness-Based Strategies for Stress Reduction for Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, and Learning to Learn. Continuing education includes coursework in neurobiology, psychology, special education, and practices in neuropsychological assessment.
CE APPROVALS
Illuminated Education is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Illuminated Education maintains the responsibility for this program and its content.
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts APA approval for CE units for MFTs, LCSWs, LPPCs and/or LEPs.
Outside of California, please check with your licensing board to see whether APA approval is accepted for CE units in your state. Please call Dr. Cooper if you have further questions (626-744-9472).
REFUNDS: To withdraw from a course, your request must be in writing and emailed at least 5 days prior to the day of the course. A refund (minus a $20 handling fee) will be issued within 10 days – or you may be able to transfer your entire registration fee to another upcoming course. If you cannot attend because of illness or emergency and are unable to notify us 5 days prior to the course date, you may be able to transfer your registration fee to an upcoming course.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS
Please contact us if you need any accommodations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to call 626.585.8075 ext. 121 or e-mail Paige Hobey at PHobey@IFGD.care, with questions about the program and for registration information. For questions about Continuing Education units, please call Dr. Chris Cooper (626-744-9472) or email at cdcooperphd@earthlink.net .
If you email, please refer to this workshop in your subject line.