Propsych proudly presents the 2008 School Counsellors and Psychologists Conference School Psychology: A Frontline in Adolescent Mental Health In the front line of adolescent mental health, school counsellors, psychologists and well-being personnel provide a crucial safety net for young people in the school environment. The profession is rapidly evolving as a specialised field and requires the practitioner to be well-informed by the latest theory, research and practice. The 2008 SCAP Conference focuses on the diversity and complexity of school psychology; in preventative measures, individual therapeutic work, ethical challenges inherent in systemic organisations, and encouraging an entire school to become more mentally healthy. Taking time out of daily work routines for professional development reinvigorates, refreshes and establishes important connection to other practitioners in our field. To facilitate this connection, and in recognition of the importance of professional self care, a feature of this year s SCAP conference is the inclusion of a networking session at the conclusion of day one with funnyman Rod Quantock to put a lighter spin on our work and professional self care. Conference Venue Treacy Conference Centre 129 The Avenue, Parkville 3052 Near the corner of Royal Pde and Walker Streets professional support services for school psychology Melways reference: 29 G12-F12 Website: www.treacycentre.com.au APS PD Points Pending. Wednesday 26 th November - Thursday 27 th November 2008
PRESENTERS Dr Simon Crisp, Clinical Child Adolescent & Family Psychologist and Founder of Neo Psychology Dr Simon Crisp is a Clinical Child Adolescent & Family Psychologist and founder of Neo Psychology, a multi-disciplinary private practice in Hawthorn. For over a decade he has consulted to, supervised and trained school counsellors and welfare teachers. Simon has lectured at Monash University in post-graduate counselling, and ethics and professional issues. He has developed the innovative Psychological First Response training which assists youth professionals to detect and respond to mental health, and behavioural personal safety issues using psychological first-aid counselling strategies. The ways schools function as a system can have a major impact on the effectiveness of the school counsellor as well as welfare and pastoral teams. Drawing on many years of experience working with school counsellors, teachers, school leadership staff, and running a variety of programs for adolescents in schools, Simon will use examples of effective - and less-than-effective - school systems to provide a framework for assessing the context the school counsellor works within. Realistic strategies are given for how school counsellors can enhance their systemic effectiveness. Dr Warrick Brewer, Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Warrick Brewer completed his Masters in Neuropsychology at the University of Melbourne in 1993, then his PhD in 1999 through the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria. His clinical and research interests focus on tracking and understanding the development of psychosis from a neuropsychological perspective, with emphasis on olfaction; his work has consistently received media attention and has attracted various national and international awards. Warrick is an Associate Professor, employed through the University of Melbourne Department of Psychiatry and located at ORYGEN Youth Health Parkville, where he leads the clinical and research program in the Neuropsychology Unit. He is also a specialist consultant on the Intensive Case Management Team for the EPPIC program. He is funded by the Colonial Foundation, and the NH&MRC via a 5 year Career Development Award. Early intervention in psychotic disorders is widely regarded as crucial in effective treatment. Whilst the age of onset for psychotic illness is generally later in adolescence/early adulthood, the prodromal phase is often a prolonged period, manifested in the gradual development of a variety of signs and symptoms. Warrick s workshop will guide participants from a neuropsychological perspective through the difficult terrain of distinguishing prodromal signs of psychosis from other behaviours particular to adolescence, outline treatment pathways and explore latest research in this area. 3 Page 2
PRESENTERS Dr Monica O Kelly, Lecturer - Monash University and Associate Fellow, Albert Ellis Institute Dr Monica O Kelly is Director of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Australia and an honorary lecturer at Monash University. She is an Associate Fellow of the Albert Ellis Institute and a member of the Training and Policy Review Committee of the Albert Ellis Institute. She has also completed the Extra Mural Program at the Beck Institute and is a Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Monica has written many journal articles and reported on her research at international and national conferences. Monica is an active clinician with practices in Mentone and Narre Warren. She has had considerable experience teaching cognitive behaviour therapy and believes that to teach therapy well, the participants must be given the opportunity to practice and be given constructive feedback. With a theoretical basis, Monica s workshop will take participants through advanced cognitive behaviour therapeutic practices specifically for working with adolescents. Associate Professor Dr Frances Thomson-Salo - Royal Women s Hospital and Royal Children s Hospital Associate Professor Dr Frances Thomson-Salo works as a senior child psychotherapist at the Royal Children s Hospital, as a clinician in the Royal Women s Hospital Centre for Women s Mental Health, and on the faculty of the University of Melbourne Graduate Diploma/Masters in Infant Mental Health. She has a particular interest in mental health issues for children in care and infants and has published in these areas. Frances presentation will explore various attachment issues, how these can manifest during adolescence and strategies for assisting young people with attachment disorders. Elaine Hosie, Psychologist - Director of Educational Services at Melbourne Grammar School Elaine Hosie has been involved in all facets of education for over 40 years. Originally trained as a teacher in the secondary sector she has also worked in community education in the TAFE sector, with special needs students in the primary sector as well as a brief stint in the tertiary sector. After studying psychology as a mature age student she lectured in the psychology department at Deakin University whilst completing a Masters in Counselling Psychology degree at Monash University. Elaine has been Director of Educational Services at Melbourne Grammar School for the past ten years incorporating counselling and learning strategies as an integrated programme. This presentation examines ethical and professional conflicts by addressing legal issues such as the age of consent, the ethical constraints of the APS Code of Ethics and the multiple relationships of teachers, parents, school expectations and the internal life of the student. Case study material will be presented to demonstrate the conflicts in decision making about case work. Participants will be asked to examine their personal decisions in their role as school psychologist or school counsellor. Page 3
PRESENTERS Dr Melissa Stephens - Harcourt Assessment Dr Melissa Stephens is a Consultant Psychologist for Harcourt Assessment and works with clients across Australia and New Zealand. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN) International Neuropsychological Society (INS), and is a Registered Psychologist in Victoria. Combined, Melissa has over 12 years experience in neuropsychology, clinical and organisational psychology. She has presented her thesis results at several conferences and published research in the field of neuropsychology and sleep disorders in Internal Medicine Journal and Sleep and Biological Rhythms. Melissa s workshop will cover a range of assessments appropriate for young people and their educational needs. In particular, she will review the NEPSY-II, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test Second Edition (WIAT-II) and Differential Ability Scales Second Edition (DAS-II). There will be an overview of each test s framework, subtests and scales, clinical validity studies, and more Dr Michael Gordon, Psychiatrist Dept of Child Psychiatry at Monash Medical Centre Dr Michael Gordon is a practicing psychiatrist and Deputy Diretor of Child Pschiatry at Monash Medical Centre. Michael s Clinical PhD focused on chdhood deression. He is a Fellow of the College of Psychiatrists, an honorary lecturer at Monash University and supervises many practitioners, including school counsellors and psychologists. Prevalent rates of depression in young people make it imperative for practitioners working with this cohort to continually develop knowledge and skill-base. Acknowledging that school practitioners already have expertise and experience, Michael s workshop is specifically designed to facilitate a higher level of proficiency in the most recent theory and practice in childhood depression. Dr Louise Hayes, Clinical Psychologist - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Ballarat Louise works in a clinical setting with young people and their families at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Ballarat. She also conducts research into mental health treatments for young people and their families at the University of Ballarat. Louise s background is in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is currently using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a mindfulness based behaviour therapy, in a research program funded by BeyondBlue. This program involves training and professional development to psychologists and other mental health workers using ACT. Louise was instrumental in the establishment of the CAST program, a community-wide early intervention program for children with difficult and challenging behaviours that involving professional development and training to teachers, as well as clinical work with children and parents. Louise is currently delivering ACT to adolescents in group and individual formats. This workshop will introduce participants to mindfulness based practice with adolescents using experiential activities from the ACT model. Page 4
PRESENTERS Maria McKenzie University of Melbourne and Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children s Research Institute Maria McKenzie is currently a National Health and Medical Research Council PhD Scholar in the Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. She is based at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Maria is also the sole psychological research member of the Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and is Chair of the Alfred Low Risk Review Subcommittee. Previously, Maria has managed a number of psychological/ psychiatric research studies, including a study of adolescent depression nested within the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study. Maria s workshop will provide an overview of her current doctoral research, focussing on the future ramifications of adolescent depression; an exploration of the concepts of adolescent depression and how school practitioners are ideally placed to recognise and provide early intervention, not just in alleviating depression but as a preventative for a host of other life course outcomes. Dr Simon Kinsella, Clinical Psychologist Dr Simon Kinsella is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Melbourne and an Honorary Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Melbourne. Child and adolescent mental health has always been a major area of interest for Simon. He has been a senior clinical psychologist for four years in the adolescent outpatient units at Austin Health and the Albert Road Centre for Health. Currently he works with children, adolescents and adults on a wide range of mental illnesses, family and social problems, and performance concerns. Simon also has a strong interest in training practitioners, is a registered specialist supervisor, and trains psychology students in the final years of their study, offering them placement and supervision. At the University of Melbourne he supervises child and adolescent psychiatry trainees in the use of CBT for assessment and therapy. Obsessive compulsive disorder frequently has a long trajectory, with signs of this disorder often emerging in early to mid adolescence. Whilst this workshop will cover all facets of treating OCD in young people, particular attention will be given to the premorbid phase, as treatment is invaluable during this period and school counsellors and psychologists are ideally placed to provide this assistance. Simon s workshop will cover comprehensive assessment, psychoeduction and effective treatment including; mapping the condition, CBT strategies, anxiety management, dietary considerations, exercise and sleep hygiene. Rod Quantock, Comedian As a pioneer of stand up comedy, and more than 30 years experience, Rod Quantock is one of the reasons Melbourne is the live comedy capital of Australia. His contribution to Australian cultural life was rewarded when he received the Individual Award at the 2004 Sydney Myer Performing Arts Awards, putting him in the company of such arts luminaries as Geoffrey Rush, Lucy Guerin and Paul Grabowsky. Rod will feature in the networking session at the conclusion of day 1, to focus on professional self care and, of course, to create the appropriate mood! Page 5
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Day 1: Wednesday 26th November 8.30-9.30am Registration 9.30-11am Welcome Keynote Presentation: Dr Simon Crisp - Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Neo Psychology Behaving Badly: When the System Is The Problem 11-11.25am Morning Tea 11.25-12.55pm Workshop A 12.55-1.45pm Lunch 1.45-3.15pm Workshop B 3.15-3.40pm Afternoon Tea Workshops: Participants to select 2 of the following workshops: Mindfulness Based Treatment with Adolescents: Dr Louise Hayes, Clinical Psychologist - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Ballarat Psychoeducational Assessments - What Tests Can We Use to Better Understanding Children with Cognitive Difficulties?: Dr Melissa Stephens - Harcourt Assessments OCD - Assessment and Treatment in Adolescence: Dr Simon Kinsella - Clinical Psychologist Day Day 3.40-4.55pm Keynote: Dr Frances Thomson-Salo - Royal Women s Hospital and Royal Children s Hospital Recognising and Treating Attachment Disorders in Adolescents 4.55-6.30pm Cocktails, Networking and Comedian Rod Quantock Page 6
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Day 2: Thursday 27th November 9.30-10.45am Welcome Keynote Presentation: Maria McKenzie - Centre for Adolescent Health Life Course Outcomes for Adolescents with Depressive Disorder 10.45-11.10am Morning Tea 11.10-12.40pm Workshop C 12.40-1.40pm Lunch 1.40-3.10pm Workshop D Workshops: Participants to select 2 of the following workshops: Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents: Dr Monica O Kelly, Clinical Psychologist - Monash University and the Albert Ellis Institute 1: Wednesday Childhood 26th Depression November - Advanced Methods for School Practitioners: 1: Wednesday Dr Michael 26th Gordon, November Psychiatrist - Deputy Director of Child Psychiatry, Monash Medical Centre Detection and Intervention of Psychotic Disorders in Young People: Dr Warrick Brewer, Clinical Neuropsychologist 3.10-3.35pm Afternoon Tea 3.35-4.45pm Keynote: Elaine Hosie - Director of Educational Services, Melbourne Grammar School Ethical and Professional Challenges for School Counsellors and Psychologists 4.45pm Close and Farewell Page 7
Propsych 101 Beach Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Enquiries: Paula Teggelove: 0411 987 664 propsychmail@yahoo.com.au Conditions of Application Cancellations: Refunds less $60 administration fee for cancellations received in writing via email or mail to Propsych by Friday 24th October 2008. No refunds after this date. Please note that although Propsych regrets the various circumstances that may prevent you from attending the conference, including illness and crises, Propsych cannot be responsible for any refunds after this date due to the administration and logistics of organising this event. You will receive confirmation of registration by email within 14 days. Please contact Propsych if you do not receive a confirmation email. REGISTRATION COSTS (all prices include GST which is completely refundable to schools) ABN: 83 230 557 582 $465 Early Bird Rate (until 5pm, 26th September 2008) $515 Standard Registration One Day Registration: Wednesday: $300 Thursday: $270 Registrants may reserve a place at the conference while waiting for payment to be processed. Please contact Propsych - details above. Accommodation If you require accommodation during the conference, please contact the Treacy Centre to arrange competitive accommodation rates. Single accommodation with shared facilities is available at the Treacy Conference Centre. Motel style accommodation is available at the nearby Vibe Hotel. The Treacy Centre can arrange both types of accommodation. Ph: (03) 8359 0101 info@treacycentre.com.au professional support services for school psychology