Nicaragua Certificate

This module explores some theoretical approaches that highlight the cognitive, socio-emotional, and neurological development of children and adolescents within the context of their families, schools, and socio-cultural factors. The relationship between psychological theories and educational pedagogy are infused with the framework of liberation psychology. During the week intensive students are expected to engage in a thoughtful analysis of the theories presented simultaneously  grounding them within their professional identity and experience. During the online portion the self directed exploration of scholarly articles and videos will provide participants the ability to reflect on a variety of approaches as they consider the implications of shifting maladaptive behaviors.  

• Theories of Development I 

  Abstract / Summary
  This module is an overview of theory in action. Theories include: cognitive, psychosexual, psychosocial, behaviorist, social learning, and sociocultural. The video explains the concept of the 'whole child' and shows how theories tend to focus on only part. Examples are given of how one theory can contradict another. Theorists include: Piaget, Freud, Erickson, Gesell, Skinner, Vygotsky. 27 Minutes
• Theories of Development II: The Early Theorists 

  Abstract / Summary
  Why do early child educators and parents need to understand the educational theories of philosophers from three hundred years ago? Viewers will learn that these theories will give them a foundation upon which to build their own philosophy of education. Learn the theories of John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Johann Pestalozzi, and Frederick Froebel.
• Human Growth & Development: Working with Adolescents and Young Adults 

  Abstract / Summary
  Dr. Michel takes a positive psychology approach to promote optimum development and wellness in working with adolescents and young adults. She defines the strength-based approach and discusses the benefits of using that approach with this population. In Part 2, Dr. Michel facilitates a mock session with a high school student to demonstrate the strengths-based approach. In Part 3, Drs. Dermer and Michel review the mock client interview and discuss the strategies and techniques Dr. Michel demonstrated in the session.
• Building Resilience in Your Child 

  Abstract / Summary
  This instructional video, from the 'Reaching Teens: Strength-Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development' series produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a speech by adolescent medicine specialist Kenneth R. Ginsburg about building resilience in children.
• Expressive Arts with Adolescents 

  Abstract / Summary
  This film provides an accessible and practical overview of four major expressive art therapy disciplines—sand, music, play, and art—for clinicians to utilize with adolescents in psychotherapy, as well as the step-by-step process to competently incorporate expressive art interventions with adolescents into clinical practice. The first part of the film highlights four central expressive arts therapies —art or drawings, play therapy, sandplay, and music—including their definitions, research support, & step-by-step instructions for implementation. Next, the film covers the importance of clinicians seeking additional training and credentialing in the specific expressive art therapy areas as well as importance of ethical adherence and competence when integrating various expressive media into play-based psychotherapy with teenagers. The second half of the film contains several clinical sessions with MacKenzie and Angel, both adolescents, who are engaged in various expressive art interventions. In the sessions, Dr. Green demonstrates the importance for a warm therapeutic relationship, self-expression, developmentally-appropriate symbolic communication, and imaginative freedom. In the last section, Dr. Green addresses cross-disciplinary core-competency issues for those clinicians wanting to specialize in one or more of the expressive arts.