Upcoming Webinars
CTDTD offers free webinars in partnership with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to provide clinicians, counselors, and other helpers with insights on recognizing and dealing with the most difficult crises and turning points that occur in therapy with traumatized children and families. Each webinar features a scene where the youth and caregiver are actors playing fictional characters, but the therapists are real. Viewers will see how therapists handle critical turning points during the therapy session to help families safely heal from the severe emotional and interpersonal problems that occur in the aftermath of complex trauma: Developmental Trauma Disorder.
When Words Aren’t Enough: Combining Mitt Work with Talk Therapy
Featuring Dr. Steve Hydon
In this session, we meet Vanessa, a 17-year-old referred to a diversion program after a stop-and-frisk incident and a recent altercation at school. She now faces possible suspension and removal from the school’s boxing program. The school’s social worker, Dr. Hydon, uses an innovative technique, therapeutic “mitt work”, to help Vanessa process intense emotions before transitioning into reflective conversation. As Vanessa shares her fear of disappointing her mom and losing her sister’s respect, Dr. Hydon gently brings her from “what ifs” to “what is.” This session offers a powerful glimpse into how creativity, trust, and emotional regulation can intersect in school-based therapy.
September 9th 1pm-2:30pm ET
Giving Bad News: Handling an Externally-Mandated Termination of Therapy
Featuring Dr. Julian Ford
In this session, we meet Jaylen, an 18-year-old who recently survived an opiate overdose following his transfer from juvenile detention to adult prison. The emotional weight of the session intensifies as Dr. Ford shares unexpected news that their work together must end due to a mandated transfer. For Jaylen, who lost his father to violence at age eight, this sudden disruption reactivates deep feelings of grief and abandonment. This session offers a powerful example of how to navigate forced endings with empathy and presence within correctional settings.
October 9th at 1 pm ET
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Therapy Interrupted: Rebuilding trust and engagement after a break in treatment
Featuring Dr. Carly Baetz
What happens when a young person shuts down in the face of grief? In this session, we meet 19-year-old Andres, who is currently in a secure juvenile detention center. After a two-month break from therapy, Andres returns, grieving the loss of his father and adjusting to shifting family dynamics. Watch as Dr. Baetz uses engagement techniques and validation to rebuild connection and support healing
November 13th at 1pm ET
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Keeping the Client in the Room – Navigating Trauma Reactivity in the First Session
Featuring Keith Cruise and Emilio
In this session we meet 17 year old Emilio, who was recently referred to the juvenile facility’s mental health unit. During their first meeting, Dr. Cruise begins with standard intake questions, until it becomes clear just how triggering even routine questions can be for youth carrying deep histories of trauma and loss. Watch as Dr. Cruise shifts from protocol to presence, using attunement and empathy to build a meaningful connection with a young person navigating grief, trauma, and the reality of incarceration.
December 11th at 1pm ET
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Saving Your Own Life: Processing a Placement and Adoption Disruption with a Long Term Foster Youth
Featuring Dr. Micheal Gomez
What happens when a foster youth loses her last hope of permanency while in psychiatric care? In this webinar, we meet MerriAnne, a 16-year-old “lifer” in foster care. After a dissociative episode leads to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, her adoptive placement is withdrawn. She returns to therapy hopeless, unplaced, and emotionally shut down. This session invites reflection on how we can support youth in crisis and the nuanced decisions therapists make in moments that truly matter.
January 8th at 1pm ET
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