Countertransference: Self-Awareness in Working with Youth

Professionals experience strong personal issues when working with youth related to our backgrounds, expectations, and reactions to their behavior. Review the foundations of helping relationships and practicing selff-awareness in understanding how our own issues impact our effectiveness and work satisfaction. Also explore the importance of staying in the zone of helpfulness and professional relationship guidelines.

Instructor Paul Gibson, LCSW, is a Program Consultant with over 28 years of experience developing and directing programs for culturally diverse youth in residential, public health, mental health, and vocational services. He has more than 20 years experience as a licensed therapist and educator providing extensive trainings for youth service providers on working with vulnerable youth. He currently serves on the Mayor’s Transitional Youth Task Force in San Francisco.