Rebels with a Cause: Working with Adolescents Using Action Techniques. Module 1. Foundations of working in Action with Adolescents

Discover the foundations of working and communicating with the youth with the expert Mario Cossa.


$60 (One Module) - 100 days access
Countries of resedence are grouped into pricing Bands A–D, offering 30–70% discounts, applied to all modules and courses. Find your band here.



Get the full 7-module course at a discounted price with 180 days of access here.

Add individual modules or build your own bundle here



About the Course: 

Working with adolescents presents a unique set of challenges due to the accelerated neurological, biological, and social changes that occur from the onset of puberty into early adulthood. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the developmental challenges specific to this population, while emphasizing the effectiveness of action methods in engaging with youth.


Gain valuable insights into establishing and cultivating better working relationships with adolescents, understanding their developmental challenges, and effectively addressing issues. This course provides a transformative perspective, equipping you with the tools to better navigate the challenges of working with adolescents during this critical stage of their lives.


Working with adolescents brings unique challenges related to the neurological, biological, and social acceleration that happens from the onset of puberty into the early 20s. Since the outset of the pandemic, and world unsafety in different geographical regions due to the war activation, the intensity of these challenges has increased significantly.


This module provides an overview of the developmental challenges of this population and an explanation of why action methods are particularly suited to working with youth. Join three students – a therapist, educator, supervisor, a business owner, and a business consultant from the US – as they explore and transform their personal adolescent experiences on this transformative journey.



This module is designed for those who work with youth (11 to 24 years old):

• Therapists

• Social workers

• Psychologists

• Counselors (including substance use counselors)

• Psychodramatists

• Educators

• Coaches

• Parents

Appropriate for those who are new to action methods, as well as experienced practitioners, students in mental health fields, and those who want to develop their skills in action methods. Acting skills are not necessary.



Learning Objectives:

• Describe physical, neurological, and social changes that occur during adolescence;

• Define the age range currently considered as “adolescence”



Module highlights: 

• Warm Up: Describe the developmental needs of Adolescents and the ways that action methods can support youth workers in guiding members of this population.

• Directing Skills: Describe how to direct action techniques suited to working with adolescents.



How and where to use:

• Class management

• Group engagement

• Group members to get to know each other and relate to each other

• Teaching new skills

• Conflict in the class

• New group formation

• Substance use counseling

• Therapeutic groups.  

• In Clinical and non-clinical setting

• Individual and group setting

• Online and in-person (therapy, counseling, classes, group leading)

• In single sessions (classes, summer camps activities etc.) 

• Parenting and parenting classes



Presenter:

Mario Cossa RDT/MT, TEP, TSM Trainer – founder and Director of Motivational Arts Unlimited, and recipient of the ASGPP Innovator’s Award, 2019. Mario brings decades of experience as a group facilitator and psychodrama director and has worked in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, and China.


Module Includes:

Main Content:

• Videos - 119 min

• Handouts - 21 min 

• Test - 30 min 

• Course Survey - 5 min 


Recommended Content:

• Psychodrama with Adolescents. Interview with M.Cossa. Part 1.

• Psychodrama with Adolescents. Interview with M.Cossa. Part 2.

• Psychodrama with Adolescents. Interview with M.Cossa. Part 3.

• Practicum - 90 min


Hours for Certificate:

• 3 training hours on the Action Explorations Education Certificate. Our courses may be applied toward professional certification/training hours, depending on your board’s policies. Please verify eligibility with your certifying board or primary trainer. We’re happy to connect and answer questions about course content, hours, and documentation. Reach out anytime with your questions.