Short description:

Training will discuss and analyze a LIVE 3 session intervention addressing anti-social behavior with treatment-resistant juveniles at a residential facility. Techniques utilized and reactions of the boys will be reviewed. Research indicates the method has a higher rate of success in addressing treatment-resistance than behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches.

Presenter Bio:

Eliot Kaplan, PhD, LCSW holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, and an MSW from Rutgers University. He is licensed as an LCSW in New York State. He is the founder and director of The Paradox Psychology Institute. He specializes in the theory and practice of working with treatment resistance in areas that include anger management, domestic violence, BPD, and problem sexual behavior (PSB). He has presented seminars nationally regarding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) as well as other disorders that involve treatment resistance.

            Dr. Kaplan is an expert on the use of Strategic Paradoxical Interventions. He hosts www.ParadoxPsychology.com which is the only website exclusively dedicated to this psychological approach. His goal is to train therapists and mental health providers in the educated use of this powerful method. He maintains a private practice in New York City.

Abstract:

This training will review and discuss a Live videoed intervention with juveniles exhibiting escalating anti-social behavior. We will address theory and practice of  Strategic Paradoxical Interventions in working with treatment resistant youth.

In the field of psychology there is relatively little information regarding treatment of the resistant client. Traditional treatment approaches that include behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic methods are geared for those willing to cooperate with treatment. In the past, traditional approaches have been modified in an attempt to work with resistant clients, however, success usually depends on the clients’ ‘goodwill’ to comply.

This training is designed to advance our understanding in working with those who resist treatment. Research indicates that paradoxical interventions have a higher rate of success than other methods when working with resistance. The presentation offers a model that theoretically supports the counter-intuitive nature of paradoxical interventions.

The seminar will clarify what must be accomplished to promote change in those who seek to avoid treatment. The model encompasses the broad spectrum ‘resistant’ issues including: defiance, denial, rigid and blocked thinking, and other cognitive impairments.    

In unexpected fashion strategic interventions are able to impact primary targeted behaviors by influencing secondary issues such as anger, low self-esteem, and poor social skills. Training will review ‘how and why’ strategic interventions are successful in impacting targeted problem sexual behavior (PSB). The model will give both beginning and advanced clinicians insight into formulating effective interventions.

Topics that will be discussed include:

1. a) a scientific model that diagrams the concept of change;
2. b) non-confrontational interventions to bypass client resistance;
3. c) humor and ‘win-win double binds’ to enhance ‘free-will motivation’;
4. d) why treatment focused on secondary behaviors (ie; anger, poor social skills, low self-esteem, etc.) will have a measurable impact on primary targeted criminogenic (violent / sexually aggressive) behaviors