Compass

Difficult children can be hard to understand and even harder to work with, their attitudes and behaviour can challenge even the most skilled parents, teachers, therapists and helping professionals.  However there are approaches that work with these kids but success is dependent upon adults understanding the real reasons behind the behaviour and tailoring their interventions accordingly.  During this day long seminar Dave will discuss:

Advanced behaviour management interventions – techniques that go beyond standard parenting courses and behaviour management systems.  Practical interventions that have been tested and shown to be effective with even the most difficult children.

Understanding the brain and perceptions of difficult children – everyone who works with children needs to have a general understanding of the brain and how past experiences can dictate perception and behaviour.  Knowing how the brain operates provides a neural-roadmap to altering negative emotional and behavioural patterns.

How to help children learn resiliency skills – All adults who work with children have a goal of the child achieving social success. Chaotic, abusive childhoods do not often lead to good interpersonal skills, such as empathy, reciprocity, vulnerability, nurturance, personal disclosure, and initiating connection.  Dave will discuss ways traumatised children can be assisted to develop these important traits.

The primary building blocks of treating emotional disturbance – eight basic steps need to occur in order for disturbed children to experience success. Safety, Security, Acceptance, Belonging, Trust, Relationship, Self Awareness and Personal Worth can be achieved with the support of an adult who understands how to assist them through these steps and proceed with change.

What successful parents/therapists/teachers/helpers look like with these children – Parenting/helping the emotionally disturbed child requires very different approaches to other children.  At times adults who do wonderfully with most children can feel inept with very challenging children. Dave will discuss the key personal characteristics needed for adults wanting to work successfully with very difficult children.

Dave Ziegler PhD is a licensed Psychologist and Counsellor and is the executive Director of the Jasper Mountain Centre in Oregon, a residential counselling program, school, assessment & treatment program for children under the age of 13. He is a sought after trainer and the author of many books & published articles on working with difficult children, including ‘Achieving Success with Impossible Children, how to win the battle of wills’ (2005).

Over the last few years Dr Ziegler has been one of Compass Seminars most requested trainers. We anticipate this seminar will quickly sell out and would encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment.

Car Parking: Hotel car parking for day conference guests is $18.00 per car per day and is

subject to availability.

In addition to the Hotel car park there is a public car park offering an hourly rate or free

parking on the street.

"Fantastic day, educational, informative, funny and thought provoking.  I have learnt so much that I can pass on to my staff.  Dave Ziegler has a wealth of information and a great sense of humour".

Manager

"I found the presentation interesting, relevant to my work, thought provoking and it helped me to get back in touch with my optimism.  Very applicable and practical information".

Social Worker

"Thank you for an excellent seminar!  I've attended a great deal of training in this area and I find I always gain something from re-visiting the material.  Daves seminar was no exception.  His hopefulness, positivity and compassion is inspiring and infectous".

Social Worker

"A comprehensive and informative seminar.   Very insightful and has reminded me of what is so important and special about working with challenging children.  Emphasis on developing yourself in order to give children what they need was very much appreciated.  Information and strategies for developing optimism were invaluable".

Early Intervention Worker

"I enjoyed the style of presentation and although I am already familiar with some of the concepts and procedures, there were other examples and items that were very interesting and helpful.  I also appreciated  hearing some of the more current research on the 'working of the brain' being incorporated.  Plus I also liked how we now have a concise overview of this material".

Teacher

"I am very familiar with Compass having attended numerous workshops in New Zealand.  I have yet to attend a workshop that has not provided a good quality content.  Yet again I am impressed at the content and delivery of the presentation, the venue and the overall day.  Dave Ziegler is a very knowledgable clinician.  Working in a mental health inpatient unit for children in New Zealand and now in a residential unit for young males with difficult issues, Dave has made me realise that in NZ and Australia we are disjointed we are not looking at the needs of ther whole child.  I WANT TO WORK AT JASPER CASTLE!!!"

Social Worker