Young girls are bombarded by so many media outlets, influencers, and advertisements that tell them to think, feel, and be a certain way, which is often contrary to their desire to live according to their faith. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals, ministry leaders and parents will gain a better understanding of the messages girls are absorbing in this digital age, the root needs that underline most of the maladaptive coping strategies concerning adults today, and the solutions that can help a young girl become more courageous, resilient, and find an identity rooted in grace despite her story. This workshop will address practical tools for helping faith-based girls develop confidence to trust God with who He says He is and who He says she is, tools for healthy relationships, and prevention of entering or staying in toxic and abusive systems, including domestic abuse. Uniquely integrating faith-based, clinical and relational wisdom, participants will gather insights from evidence-based treatments found in child-centered play therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, identity formation, and trauma-informed spiritual formation, including an introduction to the Courageous Girls free resource. This workshop is for anyone who works with girls ages 8-16 years old.
114 | Breaking Down Walls: Creative and Experiential Techniques to Bypass Defenses in Therapy
PRESENTERS
John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D., Kevin Hull, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT, CGP
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, IBCC, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP , Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Beginner
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Describe the key confusing messages facing girls today in both faith-based and secular environments and its impact on a girl’s brain development, identity, use of voice, and sense of safety in the world.
2 Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy development, the root needs underlining most toxic coping strategies girls use today, and how to practically meet those needs in effective ways regardless of girl’s story and cultural experience.
3 Evaluate the Courageous Girls model and curriculum and outline how this can be used with parents, in a faith-based setting, or in a therapeutic setting.