A book I read a few years ago titled, "The Explosive Child" by Dr. Ross Greene, changed my whole perspective on why my sons had challenging behaviors. I honestly thought they were being willful or lazy. After reading this book I realized that they were lacking executive skills based in the brain.
About this time I was introduced to my niece's neighbor, Debra Ann Afarian. I was stunned to discover that she conducted classes based on this book, which involves Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS). Such a small world! I have remained connected to Debra Ann, and even took one of her classes.
"Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) teaches a revolutionary, evidence-based approach for helping children with behavioral challenges. Through training, support and referrals to clinical services, we promote the understanding that challenging kids lack the skill, not the will, to behave well - specifically skills related to problem solving, flexibility and frustration tolerance. Unlike traditional models of discipline, HBCC teaches an approach that avoids the use of power, control and motivational procedures, and instead focuses on teaching at-risk kids the skills they need to succeed." (quoted from HBCC website. Please see my Resource page: www.hbcc.us)
I am thrilled to share this information with you*, which is described below. The four-week course is titled, "Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child." Listed below are the top 10 reasons to attend this course:
Reduce adult/child power struggles
Improve your family and classroom life
Learn what lagging skills are behind behavior challenges
Meet like-minded people, find your tribe, connect
Learn nationally recognized, evidence-based, social-emotional approaches that work with all children, with or without a diagnosis
Receive help and guidance navigating the sea of resources to community services
Affordable rates and tuition assistance available for coaching, training & therapy
Course includes a FREE hour-long consultation with the instructor to untangle your particular situation and circumstances
Learn proven tools, effective strategies, and a shift in how you look at challenging behaviors: compliance is all about skill, not will
Learn from a pioneer using Collaborative Problem Solving, now a Certified Think:Kids Practitioner with the "lived-experience" sharing strength and hope!
The four-week course will be offered this year in May, July and September/October.
Saturday Afternoons: from 1pm-3pm, May 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th
Tuesday Mornings: from 10am-Noon, July 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th
Thursday Nights: from 7pm-9pm, Sept. 20th, 27th, Oct. 4th & 11th
Also available for Professionals, Teachers and Parents:
Collaborative Problem Solving 1-day Introductory Overview, May 17, 2018; and
Tier 1, Three-day, Every other Friday Training, May 4th, 18th & June 1st.
Debra Ann Afarian's life-experiences combined with her education, community involvement, contact with families, professionals and educators gives her a unique perspective and insight into the challenges faced helping complex children with difficult-to-manage behaviors. She has taught this course for nine years and has fourteen years of training. Debra Ann and her husband of 29 years have parented one neurotypical and one "former challenging child" now ages 22 and 24 years old.
*Disclaimer: I receive no reimbursement in any way from recommending Debra Ann's classes. I believe in promoting businesses that help support our special needs community!