A Therapist’s Guide to the Teen Brain

Recorded Webinar
Instructor: Elisa E. Nebolsine, LCSW
CEs/Contact Hours: 1.5 
Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Social workers and other social service providers.
Course Delivery Method and Format: Recorded webinar, self study. All courses are hosted on SmithOnline. Login information will be emailed immediately after registration to the email address entered during registration.
System Requirements: Attendees will need access to a computer with internet and the capability to play recorded videos.

Date of original webinar: July 13, 2022

The adolescent brain is unique; it is far more powerful and vulnerable than previously understood. Emerging research from the fields of neurology and neuroscience have begun to show a clearer picture of the role of the teen brain in emotions, friendships, risk-taking, learning and more. This webinar provides a basic understanding of the newer research and teaches practical, CBT-based interventions based on this new information.

We will explore the role of emotions in adolescence and learn CBT strategies for managing feelings and staying in control. With a special focus on the emotions of stress and pleasure, we will dig into the factors that drive these feelings, and ways to help kids recognize, manage and even use these emotions to help them move forward.

The teen brain is all about fitting in and finding a group, and we will look at the factors that lead teens to make head-shaking decisions in order to fit in. Not only will we talk about how to help teens navigate social scenes, we will normalize their need for belonging through engaging research studies and experiments.

Finally, we will explore why the teen brain needs meaning and purpose. Throughout history, adolescents have been driving forces behind social change (from Vietnam to gun violence). We will look at why the teen brain seeks meaning and learn skills to help kids find and build a sense of meaning in their own lives.

Join us for an overview of the ins and outs of the amazing teen brain!

Registration Fee and Deadline:

$35 (one time registration fee of $5) | Ongoing

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe three unique qualities of the teen brain (as opposed to the child or adult brain).
2. Identify at least one research-based CBT technique to use in their clinical practice.
3. Explain the unique intensity of adolescent emotionality.

Outline:

• The Teen Brain is BUSY
• Emotions are Amplified
• Peers Matter
• Preventive Strategies for Teens Using CBT and Neuroscience Research
• Summary
• Q&A

Instructor Biography:

Elisa Nebolsine, LCSW is the author of The Kids Guide to Grit (to be published in November of 2020 by New Harbinger Press). She has a private practice in  Falls Church, VA in which she provides CBT to children, adolescents and young adults primarily with anxiety disorders. Elisa is a clinical supervisor, adjunct faculty member and speaker for the Beck Institute in Philadelphia and an adjunct faculty member at Catholic University’s graduate school of social work. She has accreditation through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy as a certified diplomat, and is a member of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  She frequently consults and presents for schools, mental health organizations and other private practices looking to improve their implementation of CBT with youth and has been named a Washingtonian Top Therapist in four practice areas.