Resistant Youth and the Positivity Paradigm: Cultivating Connection with Challenging Kids (An Interactive Case Study) – Part 1

This two-part session explores the effective outcome of prioritizing positive interventions and pro-social strategies when working with the most challenging young clients. Participants are invited to the interactive case study of Kaleb, a transgender adoptee diagnosed in childhood with ADHD, Oppositional Defiance, Gender Dysmorphia, and various Mood Disorders. Through the lens of his unique experience with both outpatient and residential treatment facilities, Kaleb is ready to tell his story of intervention- the good, the bad, and the ugly- and shed light on the therapeutic techniques that made all the difference.

Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to:

• Identify common defense mechanisms utilized by aggressively challenging youth
• Understand key relationship factors necessary for therapeutic growth
• Contrast positive and negative interventions for outcome on behavior
• Demonstrate effective pro-social strategies for trust-building and enhancing safety
• Determine which interventions to prioritize when interacting with resistant youth.