Youth Development Seminar

Transforming Lives: FOCUS for Resiliency and Success

Focus on Critical Underlying Strengths

We want to help young people see themselves as strong, capable and resource rich. Yet, too often we are so distracted by behaviors that are disruptive, self-destructive and just plain annoying, that it is hard to see where the strengths are. This despite the fact that we may (secretly) admire their cleverness or persistence or sheer survival skills in the face of adversity. 

This dynamic and highly interactive training is for anyone who works or lives with challenged and challenging young people: teachers, parents, youth workers, social workers, foster parents, administrators and others.

Learn practical techniques to recognize and grow strengths while still holding young people accountable for their actions. Tap into the paradox of their lives to foster resiliency and success.

Two - four hour format

This is a streamlined version of the one-day format described below. The focus is on core concepts and insights. In the three and four hour formats, there is the opportunity to go deeper and engage in more extensive Q&A.

One day format

Designed to be truly transformative, this seminar goes beyond a solid grounding in the research (Werner & Smith, Buckingham, Wolin), core concepts (the alternate mirror, perceptual shifts), and resources of this emerging field. 

Working progressively from understanding to exploration to mastery, you will…

• Gain a deep and practical understanding of why our strengths are the key to resiliency and success - not just in theory, but in action.
• Explore the art of seeing through “deficit” behaviors to the underlying strengths.
• Learn to communicate and grow these strengths  - specifically, authentically and effectively - and help young people see themselves as strong, capable and resource rich.
• Begin to Master the art of applying these concepts and skills to the specific kids with whom you work or live.

In the course of the day you will laugh, share, problem-solve, challenge, get specific, make connections and become your own best teacher. What sets this training apart is the depth of the explorations, focus on practical application and the balance of personal and professional growth. In addition, you will receive…

If you love to learn from passionate discussions, challenging problem-solving and personal explorations with respected colleagues, this training is for you! Questions? Contact me.

Two-day format

For those who wish to gain a more advanced and practical grounding in this work, day two is loosely divided into three segments:

1. Talking the talk: We want to communicate our perspective effectively and convincingly, but often don't have the vocabulary and clarity to pull it off, especially when talking with colleagues who "know" with certainty what needs to be fixed! ! In this segment, we hone that vocabulary and practice communicating effectively, both with young people and with colleagues. A favorite exercise is a mock "staffing," with strengths advocates on one side and traditionalists on the other. When we stop laughing, we find the confidence and clarity to be effective advocates.   
2. Walking the talk: To bring the strengths focus home to our own lives, we identify our personal strengths, the role they have played in our own challenges and successes, our unique barriers to accessing these strengths, and tools for making them part of our daily functioning. This powerful exercise will not only transform your work/relationships but change the way you see every aspect of your life.
3. Being the talk:  In this opportunity to further explore what these ideas look like with specific young people - the ones in your life - we practice, problem solve and explore our own authentic styles.. A favorite exercise is "stump the chump," during which participants have a chance to pose specific questions about the toughest situations, kids and challenges they face.
   

All participants must have attended the one-day seminar on the previous day.