To work with troubled and traumatized adolescents, it is crucial for therapists to first foster their own capacity for self-awareness and connection. It is not easy, especially when our young clients extreme reactions - ranging from distressed arousal to frozen shutting down - can trigger our own dysregulated responses. For many of these teens, a strong attachment to self-medication poses an extra layer of challenge. We need somehow to convince them that
the hard work of reliable human relationships can be more rewarding than an easy high. In this presentation, you will discover how to use the four Ms of mirroring, mentalization, mindfulness, and modulation to stay present, get unhooked, and provide corrective relational experiences.
Approved for alcohol and drug counselors.