Brief Counseling Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes

This program will focus on the unique demands of providing counseling within a school setting.  Topics will include the development of appropriate treatment goals and research based intervention strategies that are most appropriate to meeting these goals.  Because of the realities of school attendance, particularly with at risk youth, short term treatment has been found to be particularly beneficial in these settings. Short term treatment strategies will be presented to support work with diverse populations of youths, in regard to age, race, ethnicity and mental health challenges.   Various life circumstances, including trauma may be referenced.  No further risks to participants are anticipated.

Learning objectives:

• Name four factors related to client outcomes in psychotherapy.

• Identify effective therapeutic practice strategies derived from these factors.

• Describe how brief counseling strategies may be applied to a diverse population of clients.

• Describe how brief counseling strategies may be used to increase effectiveness of supervision.

Program Code: ISO3
3 CE Credits for School Psychologists, Psychologists and LMHCs

Fee: $65

John E. Desrochers, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in both private and school practice. He has served on the adjunct graduate faculties of Fairfield University, Southern Connecticut State University, Long Island University, and William James College, teaching courses in behavior therapy, psychotherapeutic techniques, psychopathology, and school psychology. He earned his doctorate in educational psychology at Columbia University and also holds graduate degrees in remedial reading, behavior analysis, and marriage and family therapy. He is board certified in school psychology (ABPP) and applied behavior analysis (BCBA).  Dr. Desrochers has presented and written widely on professional issues such as prevention, mental health, special education, ethics, and school psychology. His recent book is entitled Depression in Children and Adolescents: Guidelines for School Practice. He provides staff training and consultation on behavioral assessment/intervention and counseling. He currently serves as editor of Communiqué and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Boards for School Psychology Forum and the Journal of Applied School Psychology. He is a former president of the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists (CASP) and Connecticut Delegate to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). He is a recipient of the CASP Distinguished Service Award and two Presidential Awards from NASP. In 2007, he was named the NASP School Psychologist of the Year.