There is currently an epidemic of anxiety affecting children of all ages. Differing estimates suggest that one in five to one in eight qualify for an anxiety disorder diagnosis, making this the most common diagnosis in children. Anxiety can take many forms including obsessions, compulsions, phobias, panic, as well as a host of perplexing seeking and avoidant behaviours. Various strategies are emerging on how to treat anxiety problems, but most interventions are hand-me-downs from adult treatment and are questionable in terms of their appropriateness with children.

We cannot treat something that we do not understand; making sense of anxiety is foundational to its cure. This is where Dr. Neufeld begins, putting the pieces of the anxiety puzzle together to reveal roots deep in separation alarm. Dr. Neufeld's comprehensive model of attachment provides new meaning to the construct of separation and lays the foundation for effective treatment and cure. In mapping out the separation complex, Dr. Neufeld also reveals the relationship of anxiety to other common childhood issues including dominance, aggression and attention problems. Dr. Neufeld brings a fresh and promising perspective to one of our most troubling and perplexing human problems.

Topics addressed will include:

- how to recognize anxiety in all its various manifestations

- an updated and insight-based working definition of anxiety

- how anxiety-based problems are related to agitation-based and attention problems and adrenalin-seeking behavior

- appropriate and inappropriate ways we alarm our children

- the role of attachment in anxiety

- the three natural outcomes of alarm and how to foster them

- seven common themes in our obsessions and compulsions

- why we tend to feel anxious instead of alarmed

- why what alarms us can also blind us to the source of alarm

- the role of the brain's limbic system in anxiety

- how emotional and perceptual defenses lead to alarm-system dysfunction

- how the alarm system is meant to work

- why anxiety is increasing in our children

- why alpha children tend to be much more anxious

- why current discipline methods are alarming our children

- why some children are conscientious, careful and concerned and others are reckless, careless and without fear

- the relationship of courage and anxiety

- effective ways of addressing the roots of anxiety without relying on medication

- what parents and teachers can do to help their anxious children

Making Sense of Attention Problems

Attention problems are both common and diverse. The debilitating aspects of most attention problems can be grown out of if addressed properly, even when the symptoms are rooted in neurological dysfunction. Ignorance of the role of healthy development has lead to an overdependence upon medication and symptom management which in turn can undermine the very maturational processes that could effect a cure. After a life-time of involvement with children and adolescents with attention problems, Dr. Neufeld unravels the complexities to make sense of the underlying dynamics involved, paving the way for natural interventions that can lead to lasting change.

The Attention Deficit Disorder label has brought concerns regarding attention to the fore of public consciousness but unfortunately without the foundational knowledge that enables parents and teachers to find their way through a glut of confusing and often conflicting information. The professionals in charge of diagnosing are often experts at describing the symptoms but tend to come up short when it is time for explanations. Since we can only truly address that which we understand, the prevailing focus in our society has turned to managing symptoms instead of effecting a cure.

There are many kinds of attention problems, most deeply rooted in emotional and developmental dynamics. In this four hour course, participants will gain an understanding of how the attentional system develops and what can go wrong and why. Participants will also learn to differentiate between three basic kinds of attention problems that can all lead to an ADD diagnosis. The ultimate objective of the course is to provide the participants with strategies for addressing the roots of the attention problems in such a way that the symptoms abate, regardless of their underlying cause.

Topics addressed will include:

- to provide a basis of understanding from which to assess the nature of an attention problem

- to equip with strategies to address the roots of the attention problems where possible

- to provide a natural approach to treatment that has greater promise for effecting a lasting difference than a symptom management approach

- to provide an appreciation of the maturational factors in attention and how to address these

- to equip participants to differentiate between attention problems rooted in developmental arrest, attention problems rooted in defensive blindness, and attention problems rooted in neurological dysfunction

The training will be from 9am-4pm each day with one hour for lunch and two 15 minute breaks.

11 CEU's will be available for MFT's and LCSW's. The cost of this seminar includes handouts and morning coffee & tea. (CEU's for Masters Level offerered through Transformative Parenting. Doctoral Level CEU's TBA if possible).

About Dr. Neufeld

Dr. Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with 40 years of experience with children and youth and those responsible for them. A foremost authority on child development, Dr. Neufeld is an international speaker, a bestselling author (Hold On To Your Kids) and a leading interpreter of the developmental paradigm. While formerly involved in university teaching and private practice, he now devotes his time to teaching and training others, including educators and helping professionals. His Neufeld Institute is now a world-wide organization devoted to applying developmental science to the task of raising children. Dr. Neufeld appears regularly on radio and television. He is a father of five and a grandfather of three.  

About Transformative Parenting

Transformative Parenting is a Parent Consulting & Education practice whose work is influenced greatly by Dr. Neufeld's developmental-attachment paradigm. They offer personal consultations, workshops, and courses all designed to help parents gain the insight and support they need to parent with confidence and handle learning and behavior issues.

Todd Sarner MA MFT, Director of Transformative Parenting, is a Neufeld-Certified Presenter and Parent Educator and is a former Faculty Member of the Neufeld Institute. He was personally invited by Dr. Neufeld to be one of the first participants in his professional training program.

Tickets

Registration is $259 for this two-day training, including materials and CEU's. Walk-up registration will not be available unless arranged beforehand. 

We use the secure Paypal system for online ticket sales. You do not have to have a Paypal account to buy tickets- Paypal will also process credit cards and checks.

Other March Events with Dr. Neufeld in March 2013

Hotel

We have arranged to hold a block of rooms for a discounted rate at the Courtyard by Marriott Novato which is very close to the venue. The rooms are held for the nights of March 7, 8 and 9. You can stay for any combination of these nights at this rate. Please click HERE to reserve your room.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds requested one week in advance (before March 1st, 2013 at 9am) will be refunded in full. Refunds requested more than 72 hours before the event and up to one week will be refunded the full amount minus $5o for administrative fees. There will be no refunds after 72 hours prior to the event (Tuesday March 5th at 9am). You can, however, transfer your registration to someone else at any time, just notify us beforehand.