Counselor Training for the Gifted and Talented Population Seminar training classes conferences & workshops presented by Cross Country Education Seminars register for training on FindaSeminar.com

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Training Course Syllabus:

PROGRAM DETAILS

The need for specialized counseling and mental health services for the gifted and talented population is long overdue. Often, the gifted and talented population is viewed as highly capable and without vulnerability. Contrary to this notion, when this special population does encounter mental health problems, they are subjected to misdiagnosis and a lack of awareness regarding how their abilities interface with treatment and their own well-being. The demand for this type of specialized provider is growing, yet there are relatively few providers in this area. Often, the gifted have their complex and deviant behavior labeled as pathology instead of being understood in a meaningful context. In addition, when the gifted are faced with more severe mental disorders, their intelligence and exceptional nature are regarded as having no relevance in treatment. Also, many gifted people suffer from overlapping syndromes and disorders.



This seminar recognizes this tremendous need for training counselors and mental health-related professionals for the gifted and talented population, and the provision of such services as a specialty within the mental health field. This seminar will provide the foundation and a methodology for the delivery of these services. Attendees will begin to understand the characteristics, complexities and nuances of the gifted and talented population. Emphasis will be placed on how to determine the difference between when a behavior is related to giftedness
or a diagnostic issue related to a mental health concern. During this seminar, participants will be provided with a comprehensive model on how to assess and deliver relevant counseling and related services that adjust for these special needs. Upon leaving the seminar, attendees will have a more complete understanding of the identity struggles and mental health-related concerns for this population; a practical method to intervene in treatment; and an opportunity to develop a new specialty area for practice that is highly needed.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Identify the characteristics and special issues facing the gifted and talented


• Explore a comprehensive framework to assess and intervene with the unique and complex needs of the gifted and talented client


• Identify how to eliminate misdiagnosis and avoid treatment failure

• Develop skills and knowledge as a counselor for the gifted and talented


• Implement and develop a more effective treatment plan for the gifted individual


• Explore how to effectively use testing and assessment measures


• Examine a comprehensive framework (The Gifted Identity Formation Model) to assess and intervene with the complex needs of the gifted client


• Discuss the most recent literature and research in this field necessary to provide a strong theoretical base for your counseling work


• Identify the modalities of individual, group (both in schools and private settings), family and alternative counseling methods


• Determine the difference between when a behavior is related to giftedness or a diagnostic issue related to a mental health concern


• Identify how to be more effective with gifted clients who have further exceptional situations such as attention problems, learning disabilities and a host of mental health related conditions

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Andrew S. Mahoney, M.S., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist and Director of The Counseling Practice of Andrew S. Mahoney, a counseling center for the gifted and talented in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Mahoney is known as a pioneer in the field of counseling and psychotherapy of the gifted and talented. For the past 20-plus years, Mr. Mahoney has explored, researched and developed frameworks for the counseling, psychotherapy, underachievement and identity formation of gifted and talented individuals. Mr. Mahoney is a nationally recognized speaker and practitioner in this specialty area. He has delivered many keynote addresses, along with conferences, seminars and symposium presentations, and has been published frequently on the topic.



In addition, Mr. Mahoney is a long-standing executive board member of the Counseling and Guidance Division of the National Association for Gifted Children and past chair of that division. His work offers a new and original perspective for those interested in better serving this unique population.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"In the many workshops Andy has presented for various groups interested in the emotional development of the gifted, I have always observed that his rapport with the audience is remarkable, with many particularly valuing his demonstrations of ´The Gifted Identity Formation Model.´ His expertise in this area, combined with his personal warmth makes him an outstanding presenter on topics related to the healthy development of the gifted." - Dr. Mary Christensen, Director of Gifted Programs, Dominican University, Head of School, Science & Arts Academy

Seminar Summary:

Discuss how to enhance your counseling skills and knowledge with this special population and increase your client base while providing a necessary service (see full course description)

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