Working With Aggression In Child And Adolescent Therapy

Join Dr. David Crenshaw and Dr. Dana Wyss as they present the clinical considerations and practical strategies that can engage and contribute to the healing process of these children who often carry “invisible wounds.”

A small group of children experience horrific life circumstances. These are often the repeatedly abused, deprived and severely traumatized children who undergo multiple out-of- home placements. Their sense of trust is shattered. These are the children who typically make up the population of today’s residential treatment centers. While socio-cultural influences are major contributing factors, the complete picture is far more complex.

The same is true to a lesser extent with a much larger group of children who live at home but act aggressively in their homes and/or schools. In addition to social-cultural factors, biological personality temperament, neurobiological factors, and interpersonal influences are important considerations. Both presenters have decades of experience working with these youth in both residential and outpatient (private practice) settings. The presenters will share some of their most useful insights and understandings as well as practical strategies that can engage and contribute to the healing process of these children who often carry “invisible wounds.”

4 CEs available to NYS LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LMSWs, LCATs, NYS Licensed Psychologists and NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts provided by Hudson Valley Professional Development, LLC upon successful completion of training.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to

-identify at least three contributing factors to the exhibited aggression of youth.

-describe three stages of the cycle of violence.

-explain the “other side of the coin” when considering the bravado of youth.

-describe the three facets of empathy and how they contribute to treatment of aggression in children and adolescents.

-identify the areas of the brain that are associated with deprivation of favorable attachments in early life.

In accordance with the NY State Department of Education guidelines, in order to receive continuing education contact hours, a participant needs to be present for the duration of the workshop/training. Therefore, participants who arrive late or leave the event early will not be granted a certificate of completion.

​Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be provided for cancellations made in writing up to the day before the event.

Accommodations and Accessibility: HVPD welcomes participants with diverse abilities. Please contact us at info@hudsonvalleyprofessionaldevelopment.com to request accessibility accommodations. Accommodation requests are considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

David A. Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S is retired Chief of Clinical Services of the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie.  He is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist and Author.  His latest book is co-edited with Anne Stewart and Dee Ray, Play Therapy: Theory, Research and Practice, (Guilford, 2025), and has published widely in books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journals on topics of child abuse and trauma,resilience, and child and adolescent psychotherapy.

Dr. Crenshaw has been awarded an Excellence in Psychology Award by the Hudson Valley Psychological Association (HVPA, 2009); and three Lifetime Achievement Awards by HVPA (2012), the New York Association for Play Therapy (2018) and the International Association for Play Therapy (2021).

Dana Wyss, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified clinical art therapist, and is co-author of The Invisible String Workbook. Her doctorate in expressive therapies has led her to create programs integrating art, music, poetry, dance, and animal-assisted therapy in the healing process for clients and the self-care of staff.

For the last 20 years, Dr. Wyss has worked in psychiatric hospitals, group homes, and nonpublic school settings to manage crisis, conduct trainings, coach staff, and support children and families. Dr. Wyss is currently a Corporate Clinical Training Specialist and Clinical/Art therapy supervisor at Stars Behavioral Health Group, a company specializing in the treatment of complex developmental trauma. Dr. Wyss is a national trainer and consultant with the Center for Trauma Training and national trainer to raise awareness of commercial sexual exploitation of children. She uses her creativity for her own healing as well as to support others.