$60 (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.

Due to the physical changes associated with adolescence, individuals at this age group might develop expectations that are beyond their developmental maturity. This can often lead to frustration for those working with youth, who may see resistance and defiance in the group or individual work. The solution might be: recognizing inadequate warmup and performing it.  

This module explores, in action, the developmental continuum from the onset of puberty through the mid-twenties. It helps ground youth workers in the current adolescent reality, and shows how action techniques can provide effective support to youth in successfully meeting their social, mental, and emotional challenges. A step-by-step activity is provided for viewers to role-reverse with adolescents at different stages of development and see the world “through their eyes.” Join three students – a therapist, educator and 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 relevant examples of adolescent brain development that should inform work in groups to create safety and explain the importance of having youth group members co-create group norms and agreements.

• Define the TSM Psychodrama Prescriptive Roles of Restoration, Observation, & Containment and recite at least one action activity that supports the development of these 3 types of roles.

• List the age characteristics that divide adolescent development into various stages.

• Describe similarities and differences between developmental challenges of contemporary adolescents and those of previous generations.

Module highlights: 

• Warm Up: Describe the different stages of development in adolescents and its characteristics. 

• Directing Skills: Describe how to lead individual and group work with different youth age phases. 

• Sharing: Define action techniques suited to working with each age subgroup. 

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 - 148 min

• Handouts - 30 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 - 80 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.