$45 (One Module) - 100 days access

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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.

Adolescence is a time when experimentation with drugs is often part of the social norm. Unfortunately, the changing sensitivities within the adolescent brain make it particularly susceptible to addiction. This module demonstrates practical action methods for supporting youth in understanding the process of addictions as well as for rehearsing sober behaviors.

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 how “addictions” can be defined in physical, neurological, and behavioral terms and define the environmental and treatment factors that important to evaluate while working with substance use/abuse with youth; 

• Explore a relationship with the substance(s) of choice and understand the parallels between a relationship with a drug and an abusive interpersonal relationship.

Module highlights: 

• Warm Up: Clarify the concept of addictions and identify the action structures that can be employed in addiction education and treatment sessions for adolescents.

• Directing Skills: Explain the process of directing action techniques tailored for use in substance use education settings 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 - 60 min

• Handouts - 45 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 - 70 min

Hours for Certificate:

• 3.5 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.