The Benefits of Youth in Therapy

Examine the differences between individual therapy, counseling, and milieu work. Explore the benefits gained by youth in out- of-home placement who participate in the therapeutic process and helpful strategies for reducing the negative stigma youth associate with therapy while supporting their underlying vulnerabilities. You may bring case examples of specific clients for discussion of techniques and tools that may help youth feel safe enough to disclose their feelings to staff.  Review the role of attachment and bonding as it relates to your comfort levels when having counseling encounters with clients. Finally, learn when to refer clients to therapy groups or individual therapy.

Instructor BERNADINE LUCKEY, MSW, LCSW, is the Director of the Foster & Kinship Care Education Program for the CCSF Child Development Department. She holds accredited certificates as an Integrated Studies Specialist and Alcohol & Other Drugs Counseling. She has provided education, training, consultation, and counseling to individuals, agencies, schools, and communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 15 years. She has developed a complete set of well-balanced programs and workshops that provide valuable information essential for today’s complicated world. She has coordinated and implemented programs for the San Francisco Superior Court, SF Police Department, SF Unified School District, SF Public Heath Department, Oakland Public Schools, Community Substance Abuse Services, The National Council on Alcoholism, Youth Guidance Center, Family Service Agency, Department of Human Services, San Francisco Child Abuse Agency, California Childcare Resource and Referral Network, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Low Income Housing Fund, Professional Development Initiative, San Francisco City College, Contra Costa College, Merritt/Peralta College, local hospitals, and the faith community. Her teaching style is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and pragmatic.