Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
For the experienced clinician, the Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Children, Youth, and Families provides a deep exploration of the cutting-edge theoretical perspectives of attachment, trauma informed care, and neuroscience, as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these groups. In addition, participants select three electives in evidence-based treatment modalities and two electives in treatment focuses for children, youth, and families to gain advanced knowledge and deepen their practice in their particular area of expertise.
Target Audience: Intended for the experienced clinician.
Each course is 6 hours in length, offered in one full-day session, and offers 6 CEUs for students who complete the entire course. Qualified students may complete the courses in any order they choose, and may take any course(s) without committing to completing the certificate.
To receive the certificate, students must complete the 3 required courses and 5 electives within 3 years.
Theoretical Perspectives (3 required)
1. Attachment Theory (Course CORE-1)
2. Trauma Informed Care (Course CORE-2)
3. Neuroscience (Course CORE-3)
Children, Youth, and Families Treatment Modalities (choose 3)
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TM1)
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills for Children, Youth, & Families (Course CYF-TM2)
3. Motivational Interviewing for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TM3)
4. Narrative Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TM4)
5. Family Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TM5)
6. Play Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TM6)
Children, Youth, and Families Treatment Focuses (choose 2)
1. Sexuality and Gender for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TF1)
2. Substance Use Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TF2)
3. Suicide Prevention for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TF3)
4. Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TF4)
5. Neurodevelopmental Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families (Course CYF-TF5)
CYF
Certificate Information
To receive a certificate, students must complete the three core courses and five electives (three Treatment Modality courses and two Treatment Focus courses), for a total of eight courses. Each certificate program offers 14 course options. The core courses are the same for both certificate programs. A student who completes the core courses for one certificate program need not retake them to complete the other certificate program.
Each core course will be offered at least once per year. In addition, several Treatment Modalities and Treatment Focuses electives for each certificate program will be offered each semester. Students may take up to 3 years to complete the certificate.
Full-day courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with an hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Fall 2023
Social Work Certificate Courses in
Advanced Clinical Practice - Online
Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
Registration deadline: Course registration will close at midnight three business days prior to the start date of each course.
- Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
- Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
- All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
- These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Register
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW
Attachment Theory
Understanding attachment, both practically and theoretically, is critical to understanding development, relationships, and interactions in the social environment. Caregiving systems are the foundation for healthy development. Secure attachment allows for safe exploration of the world, provides a healthy model of self and others, teaches how to communicate and how to read others, teaches to understand, tolerate, and cope with emotional experiences, and provides structure and limits. When attachment systems are challenged or disrupted, the impact on development throughout the lifespan can be significant. This training offers an overview of the critical importance of attachment, discussion of theory, and exploration of practical application of concepts, utilizing a dynamic and multimedia approach.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will review and explore several theories of attachment and development and weigh pros and cons of each.
- Participants will explore early childhood attachment systems and the impact on development and adult relationships.
- Participants will explore their own experiences in personal and professional settings of attachment styles on interpersonal interaction and relationships.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kelsey Taylor, LMHC
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, & Families
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that aims to replace ineffective, maladaptive, or non-skilled behavior with skillful responses, as well as help clients become more comfortable with change. The term “dialectical” means a synthesis or integration of opposites; the primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. This course provides an orientation and overview of DBT and focuses on how to implement skill training into clinical practice. Participants will learn Acceptance-Oriented and Change-Oriented Skills for individual and group therapy, and explore interventions focused on developing Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. The Walking the Middle Path skill module is discussed as a way of working with teens and families. Through case studies, interactive discussions, role-plays, and worksheets, you will take away practical strategies to use immediately with any client.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn to describe the primary dialectic of DBT.
- Participants will identify the model of emotions.
- Participants will be able to name a treatment function of DBT.
- Participants will identify the components of a behavioral chain analysis.
- Participants will name the DBT Skills modules and identify their primary functions and corresponding skills.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Angela Belleville, LMHC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based, short-term therapy shown to decrease symptomology and improve mood and daily functioning by teaching clients self-coaching skills to identify, evaluate, and modify unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns. This course will provide Master's level clinicians with an understanding of the Cognitive Behavioral model that will include a brief history, populations most commonly treated, basic empirical research, essential components and structure, and commonly used techniques. Participants will learn some essential skills that can be integrated into a CBT treatment plan or used as standalone interventions that they can immediately incorporate into their practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to articulate basic theory and key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Participants will learn effective ways to socialize clients to the model and gain "buy in".
- Participants will be able to describe the functions of collaborative case conceptualization.
- Participants will be familiarized with skills to manage anxiety and worry.
- Participants will learn the steps to Behavioral Activation, an effective stand alone intervention for adult clients presenting with depression.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Zane FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma and traumatic stress impacts the lives of individuals across all demographics and service systems. Human services organizations and entities are often tasked with responding to the biopsychosocial manifestations and stress responses, but do not always have the right tools and training to distinguish the symptoms from the source. Participants in this training will develop an understanding of trauma and the developmental impacts from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, and uncover the importance of infusing a trauma informed care approach to screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Intervention strategies gleaned from evidence-based practice models will be explored, along with resources for integration into a variety of practice settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will explore the impact of traumatic stress inflicted on individuals by others.
- Participants will explore various forms of interpersonal violence.
- Participants will engage in a variety of intervention strategies.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Tsana Dimanin, MSW, LICSW, NIC
Family Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
In this course geared toward working professionals, the focus for Family Therapy will be on real-world case examples and discussion. Subjects addressed include ethics and dynamics within family work and practicing techniques when working with families both in-home and in the office. Several modalities will be discussed as well as sharing resources for help with your work with families. Group work/role play and interactive discussion will be utilized throughout the day. If you aim to work with families or already have experience doing so, this course will be a great addition to your professional portfolio and practice toolbox.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will practice techniques for different modalities of family therapy.
- Participants will identify and discuss ethical challenges when working with families.
- Participants will gain resources for working with community resources (i.e., state agencies, non-profits, schools, etc.) and families.
- Participants will recognize and learn tools to confront intergenerational cultural dissonance within a family.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Betsy Harris, LICSW
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults
This intensive course will provide an overview of the basics of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as move toward a deeper understanding of DBT. The course is designed for mental health professionals invested in a better understanding of DBT and the ability to implement the treatment in their settings. Following a review of Dialectical philosophy and Biosocial Theory, participants will learn several fundamental DBT skills to use with their clients right away. This course also addresses components of comprehensive DBT, treatment targets, and how to apply fundamental DBT strategies. Lectures, videotapes, small group exercises, and use of clinical examples are utilized to teach DBT theory and illustrate strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify DBT and what client population it was originally designed to treat.
- Participants will be able to explain Biosocial Theory.
- Participants will be able to define what it means to be dialectical.
- Participants will understand the essential components and importance of a comprehensive DBT treatment.
- Participants will be able identify the four skills training modules taught in the DBT Skills Training Manual.
- Participants will learn at least one skill in Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Sara Keary, PhD, LICSW
Issues Facing Older Adults
This course will explore a variety of issues facing older adults and their caregivers in an aging society. We will review the strengths and challenges of aging in the 21st century within the context of medical advancements; where and how people live as they age; the impact of intergenerational trauma and epigenetics on aging; how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected aging people and their formal and informal caregivers; how social workers in all settings can familiarize themselves with issues facing aging people; and the ways in which intersecting identities of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion/spirituality, and socioeconomic status all impact the ways people receive medical care, facilitate advance care planning, and plan for the wide range of their needs in later life.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify important issues facing the older adult community.
- Participants will learn about and how to access important resources to help facilitate care for older adults regardless of their practice settings (i.e., Health Care Proxy documents, geriatric care managers, elder law attorneys, institutional and community-based resources).
- Participants will have a general knowledge base of medical and legal issues related to aging, especially in the context of dementia and/or cognitive impairment and other serious illnesses.
- Participants will have an understanding of how clinician awareness and advocacy regarding intersectionality are vital in meeting older adult clients’ needs.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructors: Amanda Platner, PsyD
Neurodevelopmental Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families
This course is geared towards experienced clinicians looking to gain a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The course will review diagnostic criteria and will then delve into gold standard procedures for assessment and diagnosis, as well as evidence-based treatment and support options for individuals and families. We will also discuss special topics such as the impact of neurodevelopmental disabilities on families, access and barriers to care, and other timely topics.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to accurately describe each of the neurodevelopmental disorders according to the DSM-5.
- Based on their previous clinical knowledge and their new knowledge of these disorders, participants will be able to discuss and implement evidence-based interventions for children, adolescents, and families.
- Participants will be able to read and interpret a neuropsychological report and learn how to integrate results into their practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructors: Matt Mooney, MSW, LICSW
Narrative Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
This course will introduce students to the social justice perspective a Narrative Worldview offers when working with children, youth, and families. A thorough examination of the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews will be followed by a brief exploration of the two pillars of narrative practice: Deconstructing and Reauthoring. Students will learn about the radically respectful and collaborative approach that narrative therapists take in working with people who are experiencing problems in their lives and relationships. Brief examples of practice will be shared and participants will take part in practice activities.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will begin to understand the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews.
- Participants will begin to understand the stance of the narrative practitioner.
- Participants will begin to learn externalizing practices.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Certificate Program Instructors
General Admission
General Admission for each certificate course is $150.
No discounts are available.
General Information:
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Advanced Clinical Practice courses. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.
Online registration is required to participate in a course. Tuition for each certificate course is to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.
These courses are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in MA, CT, RI, and VT. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in ME. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the course meets state requirements prior to registering.
Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must attend the complete program(s) they register for to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who arrive late, leave early, or do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.
Getting to Campus
Parking is available at the nearby Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue Garages. Discounted parking passes are available upon registration.
Boston College is also accessible via public transportation (MBTA B Line - Boston College).