Supporting young people during episodes of distress
Responding to a young person who is experiencing an acute episode of distress can be anxiety-provoking for the young person and the adult responder. It is essential that adults supporting young people who are not coping are equipped with the skills and strategies to help keep them safe.
This course provides participants with an evidence-based framework for psychological first aid that can be applied to any child, in any situation.
Development, Functioning and Performance
Find out how to work best to help young people reach their developmental milestones. Learn best-practice coaching methods for young people to build on their emotional, social, physical and psychological wellbeing.
Help them with their functioning and performance to lead a full and productive life.
Who is this course
designed for?
Exploring the causes of psychological distress
Dr Stephen Spencer (PhD) is a child and adolescent mental health nurse who has worked with thousands of young people with complex mental health problems. He has spent tens of thousands of hours engaging with young people in acute distress.
His PhD research project explored the best responses to young people in distress. In this course, you’ll learn the key causes that trigger episodes of distress.
Your role in helping to reverse the effects of trauma
Making a connection to a young person during an episode of distress is crucial to helping them manage.
However, this is not always an easy task. In this course you will learn effective strategies to connect with young people during their time of need. to lead a full and productive life.
The TAR3 Model
Participants will be guided through the evidence-based, in-the-moment psychological first aid framework (TAR3 Model). The TAR3 model provides a better understanding of the escalation of distress, and demonstrates the skills to help a young person to cope.
Building coping and resilience skills
As adults, it’s our job to help young people in our care to develop coping and resilience skills to help them support and regulate their own emotional wellbeing. It’s well-documented that anyone experiencing intense, frequent and sustained episodes of distress may go on to develop poorer mental health as a direct result.
Author, Dr Stephen Spencer, is Clinical Director of EquiEnergy Youth, a Registered Charity and NFP dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people in our community.
