Strategies to Support System Involved Youth with Creative Practices To Decrease Anxiety

Melissa Wallace and Anisa Mustafa

Training Description

The training aims to equip participants with effective tools and techniques that can be utilized in their efforts to support system-involved youth towards improved outcomes. This training equips participants with knowledge and practical strategies to effectively support system-involved youth in managing anxiety through creative practices. By integrating these strategies into their efforts to support system-involved youth, participants can make a positive impact on the outcomes of the youth they support.

Learning Objectives

· Explain at least 2 impacts of anxiety on system-involved youth and 2 risk factors of anxiety for system involved youth.

· Identify at least 2 evidence-based creative practices for anxiety reduction that have shown promise in reducing anxiety among youth.

· Acquire at least 3 skills and/or strategies to implement creative practices.

Agenda

12:00 – 1:00pm

· Explanation of the role of creative practices in promoting anxiety reduction for system involved youth.

· Introduction to various creative practices including:

     o Art therapy;

     o Music therapy;

     o Writing exercises; and

     o Mindfulness techniques.

· Discussion on the benefits of integrating creative practices into efforts to support system-involved youth.

1:00-2:30pm  Implementing Creative Practices with System-Involved Youth

· Strategies for effectively incorporating creative practices into support services for system-involved youth.

· Practical examples and case studies demonstrating the successful integration of creative practices to decrease anxiety.

· Art Therapy Workshops: Organize art therapy workshops that allow system-involved youth to express themselves through various forms of art.

· Storytelling and Creative Writing Sessions

· Music and Rhythm-Based Activities: Music and rhythm can help system-involved youth connect with their emotions, reduce anxiety, and build a sense of community through collaborative expression.

· Nature-Based Creativity: Engaging with nature can provide a calming effect and foster a sense of connection with the environment.

· Visual and Photographic Exploration: Encourage youth to explore the world through photography and visual arts.

· Theater and Role-Playing Workshops: Conduct theater workshops that enable system-involved youth to explore different roles and perspectives

2:30-2:45 BREAK (CE Hours will not be offered for this time)

2:45-5:00 PM Ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity when utilizing creative practices.

· Building Relationships and Creating Safe Spaces

· Importance of building trust and rapport with system-involved youth

· Facilitating engagement in creative practices.

· Creating safe and supportive environments that encourage self-expression and exploration through creative outlets.

· Techniques for fostering positive relationships.

· Providing trauma-informed care.

· Discussing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of creative practices in reducing anxiety among system-involved youth.

· Identifying measurable outcomes and indicators of progress.

· Strategies for monitoring and adapting based on individual needs and progress

Meet Our Trainer

Melissa Wallace is a published author and Advanced Level Mental Health Recovery Consultant. Currently responsible for National and International Mental Health Recovery, Community Inclusion & Wellness/Recovery Education programs, certification training, curriculum development, and sourcing of initiatives through implementation. Provides support for all operational aspects of the vendor management process while delivering strategic projects and

leadership that provided key business insights for high-priority initiatives.

Anisa Mustafa is currently responsible for National and International Trauma, Crisis and Mental Health Recovery, Community Inclusion, Psychiatric Advanced Directives, Wellness/Recovery Education programs, certification training, curriculum development, and sourcing of initiatives through implementation. Provides support for all operational aspects of the vendor management process while delivering strategic projects and leadership that provided key business insights for high-priority initiatives.

This course meets the qualifications for (4.75) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.