institute for girls development – Illuminated Education

Gaps and Gains – July 30, 2021

Understand the Social, Emotional and Academic Setbacks and Gifts (Yes, Gifts!) of the Covid-19 Year with Clinical Implication. How has the last unprecedented year and a half affected our children and teens? During this pandemic season, youth have experienced loss, trauma, racial justice concerns, excessive screen time, upended routines, and isolation. They’ve also experienced less frenzied schedules, perhaps developed some new skills and interests, and experienced different kinds of family time (for better or worse). The Covid-19 year has changed children’s lives in so many ways. While the long-term developmental impact of navigating this global pandemic is yet to be…

Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Youth: Clinical Tools for Working with Youth Across the Gender Spectrum – August 13, 2021

Presenter: Caroline Carter, PsyD This generation of youth are profoundly expanding our understanding of the possibilities available for gender identity and expression. In light of this, many clinicians who work with youth, despite their specializations, may find themselves working with a young client who holds a transgender or gender nonbinary (TGNB) identity and/or expression. This training will focus on providing practitioners with a deeper conceptual understanding of TGNB youth. When: August 13, 2021 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: This professional training session is a live, interactive webinar. We will send you the link to join the session after your…

Expressive Art Therapy: Explore the Healing Power of the Arts August 6, 2021

Presenter: Sushi Frausto, LMFT The Creative Arts have historically been a way for humanity to express, discover, grow and connect. Combined with therapeutic and educational theories, the arts can wield powers of true transformation. Expressive Art Therapy brings together various theoretical approaches and combines them with the artistic process to create spaces for healing and growth. In this course, we will discuss ways to make art safe and approachable, learn how to use various art modalities to foster development, and discover ways to incorporate the arts into the approaches you are already using. But let’s not just talk! Come ready…

Toward Antiracism and Liberation in Your Clinical Work – April 13 and May 11, 2021

Presenter: Parisa Emam, LMFT When: April 13 and May 11, 2021 (2 Tuesdays) Time: noon – 1:30pm Location: These professional training sessions are in the form of a live, interactive webinar. We will send you the link to join the session after your register. The program is presented in conjunction with the Institute for Girls’ Development, Pasadena, CA who will send the link and manage registration. CE units: 3.0 — you must attend both sessions in full to obtain CE credit. No partial credit can be given. GENERAL DESCRIPTION This 2-part training combines lecture and experiential activity to identify how…

Effective and Compassionate Clinical Work for Gender-Expansive Children, Teens and Families – February through April, 2021

Note: This course will be repeated in September-November, 2021 and is presented in connection with the Institute for Girls’ Development, Pasadena, CA. Presenter: Susan P. Landon, LMFT This generation of youth is profoundly expanding our understanding of the possibilities available for gender identity and expression. In light of this, many clinicians who work with youth, despite their specializations, may find themselves working with a young client who holds a transgender or gender nonbinary (TGNB) identity and/or expression. Many of us have little training or experience working with these children, teens or their families. These presenters have many years of experience…

Dr. Vicki Chiang

Vicki Chiang, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist (PSY 21136) Clinical Director – Child and Adolescent Specialty Practice Clinical Supervisor for Postdoctoral Fellows I am passionate about helping my clients develop the skills they need to manage life’s many transitions and stressors by providing a safe and judgment free space to process and learn. At the Institute, I specialize in working with parents, girls and women. I love empowering parents to find solutions that work in their homes and supporting them to better manage the many challenges modern-day parenting can bring. I also enjoy working with women who need additional support balancing self-care with…

Dr. Melissa J. Johnson

Melissa Johnson, PhD, licensed psychologist (PSY 13102), is the founder & CEO of the Institute for Girls’ Development in Pasadena, CA. An expert on child and teen development with a Masters in Education and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Johnson has worked with children and teens for over 35 years, providing empowerment opportunities for individuals, groups and communities. At the Institute, Dr. Johnson and her team deliver strength-based therapy, inspiring educational programs, and consultation with schools and districts to help create positive school climates. Dr. Johnson’s approach to raising and mentoring girls draws together contemporary research in neuroscience, mind/body health,…

With the Institute for Girls’ Development

Gaps and Gains – July 30, 2021 — Understand the Social, Emotional and Academic Setbacks and Gifts (Yes, Gifts!) of the Covid-19 Year with Clinical Implication. Expressive Art Therapy: Explore the Healing Power of the Arts – August 6, 2021 Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Youth: Clinical Tools for Working with Youth Across the Gender Spectrum – August 13, 2021 Effective and Compassionate Clinical Work for Gender-Expansive Children, Teens and Families – September-November, 2021

Stand Up! Speak Out!® Curriculum Training: Empowering Friendship & Conflict Resolution Skills – July 18-19, 2019

For professionals empowering girls – and all children and teens – to navigate their friendship worlds. This curriculum is being implemented in many schools and after-school programs. Presenters: Melissa Johnson, PhD and Vicki Chiang, PsyD “When we talk to teachers, school counselors, mental health professionals, and youth program leaders, the conversation quickly turns to the social world of girls,” observes Dr. Melissa J Johnson and Dr. Vicki Chiang, experts on girls’ social and emotional development and leaders at the Institute for Girls’ Development. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Chiang have worked for decades in educational and therapeutic settings. They and their…

MINDFULNESS TOOLS: HELPING CHILDREN AND TEENS STRESS LESS AND CONNECT MORE – July 20, 2019

Come discover creative, fun and meaningful tools for incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities with children and teens! For mental health professionals, educators, and youth program leaders. Learn creative, fun and meaningful tools and exercises to support the effective use of mindfulness in school, after school, and in therapy. Presenter: Dr. Melissa Johnson When: Saturday, July 20, 2019, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Sign in and light breakfast 9:00 – 9:30) Exciting current research in the fields of psychology, education, and neuroscience indicate that mindfulness practices can help children and teens improve attention and focus, manage stress, enjoy more positive relationships, and increase…