When Worries Take Over

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, however for around 12 per cent of New Zealand young people it will develop into a diagnosable disorder that becomes a debilitating part of their life.

Pervasive feelings of fear, nervousness, and shyness, lead them to avoiding places, people and activities. Without intervention these children are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social opportunities, and experience a range of related physical complaints.

Fortunately, when recognised and properly managed, anxiety disorders can be very treatable. This workshop will help participants to recognise anxiety disorders and respond appropriately within their own professional context, becoming effective allies for young people in overcoming anxiety.

The key themes of this workshop will include:
- Recognising symptoms and behaviours suggestive of anxiety disorders, and differentiating anxiety from other problems with similar symptoms.
- An overview of the most common anxiety disorders that effect young people and the factors that contribute to them
- The impact of anxiety on learning and development, peer relationships and family.
- Tools to assist in assessment and the key components required for a successful multi-pronged management approach
- Effective strategies for working with anxious young people that have applicability across a range of professional contexts, including strategies to support and enhance cognitive-behavioural therapy treatment in an age appropriate way.
- Ideas for collaborating with parents and for managing anxiety in the school setting.

Dr Kirsten Davis is an Auckland-based Clinical Psychologist, trainer, consultant and supervisor who specialises in working with children, young people and their families. She has extensive experience of working successfully with anxious young people.

Kirsten’s engaging presentation style and focus on real world practical interventions make this is a workshop not to be missed for any professional seeking to strengthen their knowledge of ‘best practice’ interventions with children and young people who worry too much.