Anxiety disorders are now recognized as the most common, chronic and costly emotional conditions in the United States, as well as globally. The soaring trend towards anxiety has been accelerated by world events, violence in the media (including video games and even television programming directed at children), the pandemic, terrorism and school shootings, a high divorce rate and family breakdown, economic stress, a challenged school system and other stresses. These sources have produced a generation of young people susceptible to all the anxiety disorders seen in adults. Our challenge is to recognize anxiety in kids and teens, and to help them cope.In this workshop, you will learn ways to “connect” with anxious children and teens, and inspire them to learn how to manage and even prevent anxiety. Based on adolescent brain research, the nuances of working with teens will be included. You will also acquire strategies to help anxious parents (“bulldozers,” “helicopters” and “snowplows”) be more effective in supporting their anxious children. The pros and cons of medication will be addressed. Pitfalls and strategies for high-conflict divorce cases will also be considered. In addition, you will learn what recommendations to make to schools and teachers to help manage anxiety in students. To increase your effectiveness with the various manifestations of anxiety in children, we will address each of the following disorders with case examples and clinical vignettes: Separation Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder (with Agoraphobia), Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (including skin picking and hair pulling), Social Anxiety Disorder (including Selective Mutism), Specific Phobias, Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. Emphasis will be on creative psychotherapy using insight, cognitive-behavioral therapy, somatic focus (yoga, movement, breathing games, flow activities), mindfulness practices, medication, and family system interventions.

Hosted by MAK Continuing Education, LLC, Cape Cod Institute in Eastham, MA and online for 15 CEs. For more info, visit the event webpage.