Treating Problem Behaviors

A trauma-informed approach for teens (and others) with anger, aggression, crime, school/work failure, and substance abuse.

"I found the material exceptionally accessible and practical. After attending the training I literally begin using the interventions in my next session. The structure and creativity of this system is transforming my already successful practice treating juvenile sex offenders."

Galyn Forster, MS, LPC
Past President, Oregon Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment Network
Co-Author of Tell It Like It Is: A Resource For Youth In Treatment. Safer Society Press, 1998.

The MASTR (Motivation - Adaptive Skills - Trauma Resolution) protocol incorporates several research-supported interventions in a systematic trauma-informed treatment approach. This treatment approach has been successful with adolescents (and others) with a range of problem behaviors including loss of temper, conduct problems, aggression, crime, domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse. Workshop activities include lecture, demonstration, small-group practice, feedback, and discussion. Participants will gain an overview of the protocol and have hands-on practice with many components.

This approach can also be used, with minor modifications, with adults and with pre-adolescents. This comprehensive trauma-informed treatment protocol features:

• Motivational Interviewing to foster rapport, goal-setting, and commitment to treatment.
• Trauma-informed case formulation and treatment planning.
• Case management to support stabilization and treatment compliance.
• Self-control skills training for stabilization, self-efficacy, and affect tolerance.
• Trauma resolution for reduced negative impulses.
• Relapse prevention/harm reduction for improved coping with future challenges.

The training program involves lecture, demonstration, and in-class practice. This is an experiential training, and part of the learning is to practice the interventions with other participants. Although participants are always in charge of what they disclose, some individuals have reported that their participation led to facing personal issues.

Instructor: Ricky Greenwald, Psy.D.

Text book (included): Treating Problem Behaviors

Who may attend: Participation is open to Masters and Doctoral level mental health professionals (or advanced graduate students). There is a maximum enrollment of 24 participants.

Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

• engage resistant clients in treatment.
• present a trauma-informed case formulation and treatment plan.
• teach self-management skills.
• help clients with low affect tolerance to work through their trauma/loss memories.
• help clients to anticipate and prepare for future challenges.

Training can be provided at your location.

Instructor: Ricky Greenwald, Psy.D.

Upcoming Trainings:

• Tuesday - Thursday, February 26-28, 2008, Singapore.
• Wednesday - Friday, March 26-28, 2008. Greenfield, MA. Co-sponsored by IVAT.
  • Earlybird: $300; After Feb 29: $400; After March 15: $450.
  • Earlybird: $300; After Feb 29: $400; After March 15: $450. 14 CEs adds $40
• Friday - Saturday, May 30-31, 2008, Amersfoort, Netherlands.
• Otherwise, only closed trainings are scheduled (e.g. for an agency or institution). To schedule a training for your group, contact the Child Trauma Institute.