• I am very grateful for the insight and practical ideas. The human brain fascinates me so I appreciated making links between neuroscience, attachment, and trauma-informed practice, I found the ‘What does this mean in practice’ parts very helpful, translating knowledge into practical application.

    – New Zealand

  • In my 30+ years of attending PD workshops I’ve only ever been to 2 that were better. One was a 2 day workshop with Professor Bruce Perry. The other was Bessel Van der Kolk. Added to that, a home grown Aussie accent and humour and Karen’s ability to link theory to creative, practical ideas for practice made it (Neurodevelopment) an exceptional workshop – very worth the hours of travelling to get there.

    Counsellor – Australia

  • Great seminar. Really useful as a teacher to cover parent/ teacher/ student responses and prompt questions. Really helpful to hear explicit strategies to assist in the classroom and hear real examples and how to apply them.

    Teacher
    – Australia

  • Great seminar! Karen hits the nail on the head on anxiety in all areas – young people, but also myself and understanding it and how I can deal with it personally, as a CEC at high school, and as a parent.

    CEC (High School), Parent
    – Cairns

  • Karen is an effortless and passionate presenter – a world of knowledge on this topic. Felt this [Anxiety in the Classroom] was a great add on to previously attended workshop ‘Hey Warrior!’

    Psychologist
    – Townsville

  • I found her amazing. I found it relatable and accessible. There were lots of good practical strategies and I acquired a much deeper understanding. It gave me tools, tips and hope.

    Teacher/Counsellor
    -Perth, Australia

  • Great session! So much information and knowledge. I could listen to Karen all day.

    Counsellor
    – Perth, Australia

  • I can’t put into words how helpful this seminar has been for me, personally as well as professionally.

    Counsellor
    – Central Coast, Australia

  • Great! I love the deep and wise understanding of what can be an elusive concept, and then Karen’s ability to make that understanding ‘come alive’ with her storytelling. I appreciate the tangible sense of deep understanding and care for children with practical, loving help – also extended to their parents. Warm, authentic, wise, and practical.

    Guidance Officer
    Brisbane, Australia

  • One of the best trainings I have attended. Nice to have a seminar whose facilitator is real, down-to-earth, and doesn’t use a lot of jargon. Fabulous to have had Karen as a presenter, lots of knowledge and brilliant to listen to! Thoroughly useful training to continue using with families. Lots of tools and ideas.

    Social Worker
    – New Zealand

  • The seminar was one of the best I have attended. Karen presents in an easy to understand and engaging manner. Her use of anecdotes made the day interesting and practical. She is one of the best presenters I have had the privilege of listening to.

    Art Therapist
    – Brisbane, Australia

  • Awesome presentation! Great break down of anxiety. I liked how there were lots of practical ideas and separation between working with parents and children. I feel much more equipped to work with children and families with anxiety.

    Occupational Therapist
    – Melbourne, Australia


Upcoming Events

Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety – A Workshop for Parents, Carers, Educators

This transformational session will provide the essential information and strategies to help all parents and carers support children and adolescents to build courage and resilience, uncover their strengths, and take anxiety back to small enough. 

Tuesday 15 October 2024, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Penrith RSL Club, Sydney, NSW, Aus

A 2-Day Workshop – Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety

Anxiety is stifling too many young lives, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Modern insights have greatly expanded our capacity to support young people to engage with all aspects of life with resilience and courage. This two-day workshop will present a fresh, innovative approach to anxiety. It will draw on neuroscience, evidence-based strategies, and highly respected therapeutic models to support practitioners in developing a fresh approach to anxiety and the therapeutic responses that will effect powerful change. This will be bolstered by a series of experiential exercises, allowing participants to consolidate learning, deepen their insight into their own personal processes, and acquire a range of innovative therapeutic interventions.

Wednesday 16 October 2024, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
This 2 day seminar will run from 16-17 October at Novotel Sydney, Parramatta

Neurodevelopmental Theory to Practice – Supporting Whole-Child Development – Learning, Social, Emotional, Regulation, Behaviour (Australia)

Recent developments in neuroscience have expanded our capacity to be more effective in all areas of practice in child development. We now have remarkable insight into what the growing brain needs to thrive from infancy through adolescence and beyond. Drawing on neuroscientific insights, we can ‘neuro-nurture’ the developing child and dramatically influence the growth and development of the young brain to provide the foundations for a happy, successful life. As the need for neuroscientific knowledge amongst practitioners increases, its convergence with key approaches to attachment, trauma, and learning have seen watershed changes in how we understand and support optimal development, behaviour and social-emotional wellbeing. This opens the way for us to take a more compassionate, targeted and effective response when working with children and adolescents in any capacity. This dynamic workshop will translate neuroscience into powerful insights and practical strategies to support the holistic development of children and adolescents. 

Wednesday 02 April 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Hey Warrior (Australia)

Too many young people are being stifled by anxiety, and this number is on the rise. Fortunately, we are more equipped now than ever before to support them to live bravely and discover their full reach into the world, but the expanding impact of anxiety demands a new approach. This dynamic workshop will offer a fresh, innovative approach that pulls in many pieces missing from the way we’ve been responding to anxiety in children and adolescents. Far from being ‘another anxiety workshop’, this comprehensive approach will draw on neuroscience, evidence-based strategies, and highly respected therapeutic models to support practitioners in developing a fresh, impactful approach to working with anxiety in young people. We will explore anxiety from the ground up, developing a ‘roadmap’ for a therapeutic response to anxiety that will include key information, powerful strategies, and new responses to anxiety to effect immediate and long-term change.

Friday 28 February 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sharks Event Centre, Southport, Qld, Australia
Friday 21 March 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Wednesday 26 March 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Southbank Townsville, Townsville, Qld, Aus
Thursday 27 March 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rockhampton Leagues Club, Rockhampton, Qld, Aus
Wednesday 07 May 2025, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Skye Suites Parramatta, Parramatta, NSW, Aus
Seminar for supporting whole child development

A Developing Brain – Supporting Whole Child Development – Social, Emotional, Regulation, Learning, Behaviour

Designed specifically for early childhood settings, this workshop explores the recent developments in neuroscience that have given us remarkable insight into the conditions and experiences that can dramatically influence the growth and development of all young children in positive and enduring ways. Early childhood is a particularly critical time for the developing brain, and the early childhood environment is rich with the necessary experiences and relationships to support children in their development, behaviour, learning, and social and emotional well-being. The relationships and experiences children are exposed to in their earliest years, will influence the neural foundations upon which their growth and development is built. This dynamic workshop will explore these conditions, and ways early childhood professionals can translate this knowledge into practice to nurture the holistic development of all children. 

(This program has been approved by the Department of Education and Training Victoria for the School Readiness Funding Menu)

Monday 28 October 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Tuesday 18 March 2025, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Frankston, Vic, Aus
Wednesday 19 March 2025, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Dandenong, Vic, Aus
Thursday 20 March 2025, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Thursday 01 May 2025, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, Au
Friday 09 May 2025, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Hey Little Warrior PD Seminar

Hey Little Warrior (Australia)

Designed specifically for early childhood settings, this workshop is based on ‘Hey Warrior’ and Hey ‘Awesome’, the best-selling, highly-acclaimed children’s books which turn anxiety into an ally, and explore and explain anxiety through a neuroscientific, child-friendly lens. The workshop will provide early childhood educators with the practical strategies and information to support a class-based approach towards strengthening all children against anxiety, expanding their capacity for brave behaviour, and understanding more about the brain. Upon completion of the workshop, early childhood educators will have the information and practical tools to work with children on a group or individual level to strengthen them against anxiety, build their capacity to calm big feelings (including anxiety and anger) and move towards brave behaviour.

(This program has been approved by the Department of Education and Training Victoria for the School Readiness Funding Menu)

Monday 28 October 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
SOLD OUT Register Now
Tuesday 29 October 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
SOLD OUT Register Now
Tuesday 18 March 2025, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Frankston, Vic, Australia
Wednesday 19 March 2025, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Dandenong, Vic, Australia
Thursday 20 March 2025, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Thursday 01 May 2025, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Friday 09 May 2025, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus

Previous Events

Hey Little Warrior PD Seminar

Hey Little Warrior (Australia)

Designed specifically for early childhood settings, this workshop is based on ‘Hey Warrior’ and Hey ‘Awesome’, the best-selling, highly-acclaimed children’s books which turn anxiety into an ally, and explore and explain anxiety through a neuroscientific, child-friendly lens. The workshop will provide early childhood educators with the practical strategies and information to support a class-based approach towards strengthening all children against anxiety, expanding their capacity for brave behaviour, and understanding more about the brain. Upon completion of the workshop, early childhood educators will have the information and practical tools to work with children on a group or individual level to strengthen them against anxiety, build their capacity to calm big feelings (including anxiety and anger) and move towards brave behaviour.

(This program has been approved by the Department of Education and Training Victoria for the School Readiness Funding Menu)

Tuesday 15 February 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Atura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 16 February 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 17 February 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 23 May 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 24 May 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Carrington, Shepparton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 25 May 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 08 August 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 09 August 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Ballarat Golf Club, Ballarat, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 10 August 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 11 August 2022, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 15 February 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Launceston Conference Centre, Launceston, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 28 February 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 01 March 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Atura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 02 March 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 05 June 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 06 June 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Carrington, Shepparton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 08 June 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 31 July 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Mantra, Traralgon, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 01 August 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Frankston RSL, Frankston, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 02 August 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 03 August 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Ballarat Golf Club, Ballarat, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 24 October 2023, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 28 February 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Frankston RSL, Frankston, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 29 February 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Atura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 01 March 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 07 March 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, 24 Gaskell St, Eight Mile Plains, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Monday 03 June 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Grand Hotel, Mildura, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 07 June 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Deakin University, Warrnambool, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 12 June 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, 24 Gaskell St, Eight Mile Plains, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 06 August 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Criterion Hotel, Sale, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 07 August 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Mantra, Traralgon, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 08 August 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 11 September 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 10 October 2024, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Best Western North Lakes, North Lakes, Brisbane, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Seminar for supporting whole child development

A Developing Brain – Supporting Whole Child Development – Social, Emotional, Regulation, Learning, Behaviour

Designed specifically for early childhood settings, this workshop explores the recent developments in neuroscience that have given us remarkable insight into the conditions and experiences that can dramatically influence the growth and development of all young children in positive and enduring ways. Early childhood is a particularly critical time for the developing brain, and the early childhood environment is rich with the necessary experiences and relationships to support children in their development, behaviour, learning, and social and emotional well-being. The relationships and experiences children are exposed to in their earliest years, will influence the neural foundations upon which their growth and development is built. This dynamic workshop will explore these conditions, and ways early childhood professionals can translate this knowledge into practice to nurture the holistic development of all children. 

(This program has been approved by the Department of Education and Training Victoria for the School Readiness Funding Menu)

Tuesday 15 February 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
tura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 16 February 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 17 February 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 23 May 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, NSW
Register Now
Tuesday 24 May 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
The Carrington, Shepparton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 25 May 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo, VIC,
Register Now
Monday 08 August 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 09 August 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Ballarat Golf Club, Ballarat, VIC,
Register Now
Wednesday 10 August 2022, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 11 August 2022, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 28 February 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 01 March 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Atura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 02 March 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 05 June 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 06 June 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Carrington, Shepparton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 08 June 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Monday 31 July 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mantra Traralgon, Traralgon, Vic
Register Now
Tuesday 01 August 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Frankston RSL, Frankston
Register Now
Wednesday 02 August 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 03 August 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Ballarat Golf Club, Ballarat, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 24 October 2023, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 28 February 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Frankston RSL, Frankston
Register Now
Thursday 29 February 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Atura Hotel Dandenong, Doveton, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 01 March 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Leopold Library, Leopold, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 07 March 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Monday 03 June 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Quest Mildura, Mildura, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 07 June 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Deakin University, Warrnambool
Register Now
Wednesday 12 June 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Glen Hotel, Brisbane Qld Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 06 August 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Criterion Hotel, Sale, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 07 August 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mantra Traralgon, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 08 August 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 11 September 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 10 October 2024, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Best Western Northlakes, North Lakes, Qld, Aus
Register Now

Hey Warrior (Australia)

Too many young people are being stifled by anxiety, and this number is on the rise. Fortunately, we are more equipped now than ever before to support them to live bravely and discover their full reach into the world, but the expanding impact of anxiety demands a new approach. This dynamic workshop will offer a fresh, innovative approach that pulls in many pieces missing from the way we’ve been responding to anxiety in children and adolescents. Far from being ‘another anxiety workshop’, this comprehensive approach will draw on neuroscience, evidence-based strategies, and highly respected therapeutic models to support practitioners in developing a fresh, impactful approach to working with anxiety in young people. We will explore anxiety from the ground up, developing a ‘roadmap’ for a therapeutic response to anxiety that will include key information, powerful strategies, and new responses to anxiety to effect immediate and long-term change.

Friday 21 August 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Thursday 03 September 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Monday 14 September 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Function, Glenelg, SA, Australia
Register Now
Friday 06 November 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Mantra Twin Towns, Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Friday 13 November 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Gosford RSL Club, West Gosford, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Monday 15 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Liverpool Catholic Club, Prestons, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 16 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 17 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Thursday 18 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Best Western Hobart, Hobart, Tas, Australia
Register Now
Friday 19 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Launceston Conference Centre, 50 Glen Dhu Street, South Launceston, Tas, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 09 March 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Mantra Parramatta, Cnr Parkes St and Valentine Ave, Parramatta, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 11 March 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC HOUSE, Perth, WA, Australia
Register Now
Friday 23 April 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Commercial Club, Albury, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Monday 03 May 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Monday 13 September 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Geelong, Cnr Gheringhap and Myers Streets, Geelong, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 09 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Wollongong City Diggers, 82 Church Street, Wollongong, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Monday 14 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Friday 18 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges, Geelong, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 23 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Sydney Central, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Monday 28 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Friday 04 March 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel, North Lakes, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 15 March 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC House, Perth, WA, Australia
Register Now
Friday 13 May 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Darwin, Darwin, NT, Aus
Register Now
Friday 20 May 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 02 June 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Souths Leagues Club, Mackay, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Friday 03 June 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Southbank Townsville, Townsville, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Thursday 16 June 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 23 February 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC House, Perth, WA, Australia
Register Now
Monday 23 October 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 20 February 2024, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, 24 Gaskell St, Eight Mile Plains, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 14 March 2024, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Noah's on the Beach, 29 Zaara St, Newcastle, NSW
Register Now

Neurodevelopmental Theory to Practice – Supporting Whole-Child Development – Learning, Social, Emotional, Regulation, Behaviour (Australia)

Recent developments in neuroscience have expanded our capacity to be more effective in all areas of practice in child development. We now have remarkable insight into what the growing brain needs to thrive from infancy through adolescence and beyond. Drawing on neuroscientific insights, we can ‘neuro-nurture’ the developing child and dramatically influence the growth and development of the young brain to provide the foundations for a happy, successful life. As the need for neuroscientific knowledge amongst practitioners increases, its convergence with key approaches to attachment, trauma, and learning have seen watershed changes in how we understand and support optimal development, behaviour and social-emotional wellbeing. This opens the way for us to take a more compassionate, targeted and effective response when working with children and adolescents in any capacity. This dynamic workshop will translate neuroscience into powerful insights and practical strategies to support the holistic development of children and adolescents. 

Monday 22 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 23 February 2021, 12:00 am-4:00 pm
Mecure Townsville, Townsville, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 24 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Souths Leagues Club, Mackay, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Thursday 25 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rockhampton Leagues Club, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Friday 26 February 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Northlakes Hotel, Northlakes, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 17 March 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
City Golf Club, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Friday 19 March 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Glen Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Register Now
Monday 19 April 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Kingscliff, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Monday 07 June 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Function, Glenelg, SA, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 31 August 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC House, Perth, WA, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 15 September 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Hobart, Hobart, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 16 September 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Launceston Conference Centre, Launceston, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 26 October 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Tuesday 16 November 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Skye Suites Parramatta, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 17 November 2021, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Sydney Central, 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Thursday 10 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Skye Suites Parramatta, Parramatta, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Friday 11 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Sydney Central, Surry Hills, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Tuesday 22 February 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Fort Scratchley Function Centre, Newcastle East, NSW, Australia
Register Now
Wednesday 16 March 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC House, Perth, WA, Aus
Register Now
Monday 21 March 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Thursday 07 April 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Hobart, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Friday 08 April 2022, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Launceston Conference Centre, Launceston, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Friday 12 May 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Best Western Plus, North Lakes, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Wednesday 22 February 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
ANZAC House, Perth, WA, Aus
Register Now
Monday 27 February 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel, Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 03 March 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rydges Geelong, Geelong, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Friday 17 March 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Novotel, Cairns, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Monday 26 February 2024, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Register Now
Resilient Kids Conference

Resilient Kids Conference

The Resilient Kids Conference is a one-day event for parents and professionals who live and work with young people. It’s a place where Australia’s top parenting experts come together to offer you insights on cutting-edge issues affecting today’s kids and teenagers. 

Since 2016, our live events have attracted up to 800 attendees at a single event, so the vibe is marvellous. It is beyond beautiful to see parents, educators, and many other professionals stream through the doors in anticipation of a soul-fulfilling experience. By the end of the day their faces are beaming, and so is our teams’. The Resilient Kids Conference is so much more than a conference. It’s a community of people, redefining resilience together.

I’ll be joined by Michelle Mitchell, Maggie Dent, and Dr Justin Coulson. We’d love you to join us.

In-person, online and group license tickets are available for this event.

Saturday 06 May 2023, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Launceston, Tas, Aus
Register Now
Saturday 20 May 2023, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Brisbane, Qld, Aus
Register Now
Saturday 15 July 2023, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Melbourne, Vic, Aus
Register Now
Saturday 02 September 2023, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Adeliade, SA, Qld
Register Now
Saturday 25 May 2024, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Sydney, NSW, Aus
Register Now
Saturday 25 May 2024, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
ONLINE (includes access to recording for 4 weeks following event)
Register Now
Saturday 20 July 2024, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Perth, WA, Aus
Register Now
Saturday 20 July 2024, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
ONLINE (includes access to recording for 4 weeks following event)
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poster for workshop to work with children and teens anxiety

2-Day Workshop: Working With Anxiety in Children and Teens

Anxiety in children and adolescents is often overlooked, under-reported or misinterpreted as being a behavioural or developmental problem. In reality anxiety is the most common child and adolescent mental health complaint in New Zealand and when recognised and properly managed, anxiety is very treatable.

This two-day intensive workshop will help participants to better understand anxiety in young people and provide a broad range of knowledge, skills, and practical techniques to respond appropriately within their own professional context, becoming effective allies for children in overcoming anxiety. Maintaining a practical and experiential focus, while drawing on a number of highly respected therapeutic models and the latest understandings from neuroscience.

Tuesday 18 June 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
This 2 day seminar will run from 18-19 June in Christchurch, NZ
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Tuesday 25 June 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
This 2 day seminar will run from 25-26 June in Auckland, NZ
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Overcoming Anxiety – Helping Children & Adolescents Find Their Brave (New Zealand)

Anxiety is the most common child and adolescent mental health concern. Anxiety is a very normal human response, but for as many as 1 in 5 young people in New Zealand the symptoms become so intrusive so as to interfere with day to day living. The effects can ripple from children, to their families, to the classroom, and into friendships. Anxiety can potentially undermine the way children see themselves, the world and their important place in it – but it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right support, children can be empowered with the skills and knowledge to manage anxiety and move forward with courage and resilience. 
This dynamic workshop will help participants to recognise and respond to anxiety in children and adolescents. It will delve into the obvious and not so obvious signs of anxiety, discuss where they come from, why they exist and offer a range of practical, powerful interventions to assist participants to respond effectively within their own professional context. It will also explore how to work with parents and carers in ways that strip shame and guilt, and unlock their capacity to move their children through anxiety and towards brave behaviour.

Tuesday 26 November 2019, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Invercargill
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Wednesday 27 November 2019, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Dunedin
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Thursday 28 November 2019, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Christchurch
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Friday 29 November 2019, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Nelson
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Wednesday 02 June 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington NZ
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Tuesday 21 March 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Rydges Latimer, Christchurch
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Thursday 23 March 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
The Dunedin Centre, Dunedin, NZ
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Monday 21 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Waipuna Hotel, Auckland, NZ
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Tuesday 22 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, NZ
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Thursday 24 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Napier Conference Centre, Napier, NZ
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Friday 25 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Distinction Hotel, Palmerston North
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Monday 28 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Plymouth International, New Plymouth, NZ
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Wednesday 30 August 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington, NZ
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Monday 17 June 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill, NZ
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Friday 21 June 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Rutherford Hotel, Nelson, NZ
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Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety

A workshop for parents and carers to uncover powerful information and strategies that will help them build courage and resilience in all young people, and take anxiety back to small enough.

Tuesday 04 June 2024, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
91 River Rd, Horsham Vic Aus
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Tuesday 04 June 2024, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
91 River Rd, Horsham Vic Aus
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two kids smiling and karen young in how parents and carers can strengthen children and teens against anxiety

How Parents and Carers Can Strengthen Children and Teens Against Anxiety

This transformational session will provide parents and carers with the essential information and powerful, practical strategies to help their children and teens thrive through anxiety, whether it’s everyday levels of anxiety or more intrusive. 

Monday 27 May 2024, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Broome Lotteries House, Broome, WA, Aus
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Tuesday 28 May 2024, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Kununurra Community and School Library, Kununurra WA, Aus
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young people and big feelings poster

Young People and Their Big Feelings

In this community event, hosted by Mindfull Aus, I will be providing parents, caregivers and educators with the skills and tools to better understand behaviour and challenges that arise within our youth.

Big feelings can drive big behaviour. Understanding how to respond when young people are overwhelmed can drive calm and connection over conflict. Ultimately, our responses have enormous potential to build important neural pathways that will strengthen them for life.

This presentation will explore the powerful ways parents can, quite literally, influence the strengthening of the brain in ways that will build self-control, emotional regulation, and resilience in their children for life.

** My books & resources as well as Mindfull Aus Merchandise will be available at the conclusion of the event.

Sunday 25 February 2024, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
West Gippsland Arts Centre 1 Civic Place Warragul, Vic, Aus
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Strengthening Children & Teens Against Anxiety – A workshop for parents, carers, and professionals. (United States)

What could our children and teens do if they knew in their hearts they were brave enough? All children and teens are capable of their very own versions of greatness. For too many though, anxiety will shut down their capacity to discover their potential – but it doesn’t have to be this way. This transformational session will provide the essential information and strategies to help all parents and carers support children and adolescents to build courage and resilience, uncover their strengths, and take anxiety back to small enough. We will discuss ways to nurture the skills and qualities that will strengthen all children for life.

Tuesday 26 September 2023, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Rd, IL United States
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Tuesday 19 September 2023, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Hill School of Fort Worth 4817 Odessa Ave, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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Navigating Child and Adolescent Anxiety – A Professional Development Seminar (United States, Canada)

For as many as one in five young lives, anxiety is an intrusive part of everyday life, with the effects often stealing into families, classrooms and friendships. Anxiety can potentially undermine the way children see themselves, the world and their important place in it – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Anxiety is very manageable when it is recognised and responded to. This dynamic workshop will help participants to recognise anxiety in children and adolescents (5 – 18yrs). It will delve into the obvious and not so obvious signs of anxiety, discuss where they come from and why they exist, and offer a range of practical, powerful, research-driven interventions to assist participants to respond effectively within their own professional context.

Thursday 21 September 2023, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Monday 25 September 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Theraplay Institute, 1224 W. Belmont Avenue, Fl. 1, Chicago, Illinois, 60657, United States
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Tuesday 26 September 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Rd, Il, United States
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Anxiety in the Classroom (United States)

Anxiety loves anything unfamiliar or any situation that comes with potential for embarrassment, failure, humiliation, shame, or separation from a loved one – and school is ripe for all of them. Anxiety can significantly affect friendships, confidence, and school performance. All children and teens need the right support to thrive, and even the smallest considerations can go a long way to helping kids with anxiety find the very best version of themselves. 

Tuesday 19 September 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Amon Carter Center at Lena Pope, Texas, United States
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Neuro-Nurture (New Zealand)

Recent developments in neuroscience have expanded our capacity to be more effective in all areas of practice in child development. We now have remarkable insight into what the growing brain needs to thrive from infancy through adolescence and beyond. Drawing on neuroscientific insights, we can ‘neuro-nurture’ the developing child and dramatically influence the growth and development of the young brain to provide the foundations for a happy, successful life. As the need for neuroscientific knowledge amongst practitioners increases, its convergence with key approaches to attachment, trauma, and learning have seen watershed changes in how we understand and support optimal development, behaviour and social-emotional wellbeing. This opens the way for us to take a more compassionate, targeted and effective response when working with children and adolescents in any capacity. This dynamic workshop will translate neuroscience into powerful insights and practical strategies to support the holistic development of children and adolescents. 

Tuesday 21 September 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Alexandra Park, Auckland, NZ (Interactive Livestream)
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Thursday 23 September 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Plymouth International, New Plymouth, NZ (Interactive Livestream)
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Monday 29 November 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
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Wednesday 01 December 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Riccarton Park Function Centre, Christchurch
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Friday 03 December 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
The Dunedin Centre, Dunedin
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Thursday 18 August 2022, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Prefab Hall, Wellington
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Friday 19 August 2022, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Distinction Hotel, Palmerston North
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Monday 22 August 2022, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
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Wednesday 24 August 2022, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland
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Friday 26 August 2022, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands
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Building Courage and Resillience in Children

Building Courage and Resilience in Children

Courage and resilience are vital qualities that help children adapt in the face of adversity and challenge, with their hearts, minds, and spirits intact. Both courage and resilience are qualities that can be cultivated in any child, and parents are in the perfect position to do this. This transformational session will explore how you can help build courage and resilience in your child.

Monday 18 October 2021, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Bond University (Building 6, Level 3, Theatre 2), Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
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Thriving in a Stressful World: Practical Ways to Help Ourselves and Our Children Feel Secure and Calm

As we emerge from the pandemic, stressors are heightened, and anxiety is an ever more common experience. We know from research that stress is “contagious” between adults and kids; therefore addressing the impacts of stress on ourselves is intertwined with our capacity to support the young people in our care. How can we help ourselves and our children to develop a foundation of security and calmness to prevail through the effects of this storm? 

I’ll be joining with Dr Marc Brackett and Dr Farah Shroff, as we explore the role of emotion regulation and the function of anxiety in our lives. Participants will learn ways to help express and regulate their own, and their children’s, emotions, even when our world may feel a little scary and stressful. Panelists will also share practical and holistic strategies that can be most effective in fostering well-being for both ourselves and children. 

In this webinar which will be hosted by The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education, you will have the opportunity to glean creative, evidence-informed takeaways to help you and the children in your care build resilience and foster a sense of security and calmness. Join us for this 1 ½ hour session, including a dynamic Q&A period.

Thursday 14 October 2021, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Online (Dates and times are PST times)
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Working with anxiety in kids and teens

Building Relationships That Protect and Heal

The SCCR Online Conference 2021 is a wonderful initiative which will be exploring ’The Power of Reconnection’. More than ever, relationships matter. They heal, provide a buffer against stress, and make the world feel a little softer and safer for our young people. Building meaningful connections can take time, and even the strongest relationships can feel the effects of disconnection from time to time. As part of this free webinar, we will explore the power of attachment relationships, and ways to build relationships the the children and teens in your life that protect, strengthen, and heal. 

The conference will be at:

AEST time: 11 October, 7pm-8pm

Scotland time: 11 October, 10am-11am

Monday 11 October 2021, 7:00 pm-11:00 am
Online (Dates and times are AEST)
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Anxious to Brave: An online, interactive program for parents of children and teens with anxiety.

Parents don’t cause anxiety, but they can make the most profound difference in moving children from anxious to brave. The move through anxiety isn’t an easy one, for children or the adults who love them, but it is certainly possible. Like so many good things, sometimes the way through is clearer and easier with a little help – enter ‘Anxious to Brave‘, a series of eight weekly live online 60-90 workshops for parents of kids and teens with anxiety. Throughout the course of the program, I’ll be guiding parents through research-backed information and strategies to help strengthen children and teens against anxiety and move them towards brave behaviour. If you can’t make it to every session, not to worry – the workshops will be recorded and available to registered participants for a short while after the event. Groups will be kept small, to keep interaction big.

Thursday 22 July 2021, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Online. Every Thurs for 8 weeks from 22 Jul-9 Sep. (Time is AEST Brisbane)
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Wednesday 21 July 2021, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Online. First 7 sessions - every Wed from 21 July + 8th session on Tue 14 Sep.
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Children boundaries webinar

When They Push the Boundaries – A Webinar

In this webinar, I’ll be teaming up with Michelle Mitchell to equip parents, carers and professionals with strategies to help stay connected to tweens and teens, and build positive influence during the most challenging of moments. We’ll explore why all tweens and teens will push the boundaries at some point, why they might make risky decisions or break the rules, and how to respond in ways that strengthen them and preserve your connection. With some very specific strategies and solid information, those tricky teen years can be much easier. If you can’t make the date, not to worry – the webinar will be recorded and made available for you to watch any time.

Thursday 08 July 2021, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Online (Time is AEST, Brisbane)
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(Not this one – go to page 2) Overcoming Anxiety – Helping Children and Adolescents Find Their Brave (New Zealand)

Anxiety is the most common child and adolescent mental health concern. Anxiety is a very normal human response, but for as many as 1 in 5 young people in New Zealand the symptoms become so intrusive so as to interfere with day to day living. The effects can ripple from children, to their families, to the classroom, and into friendships. Anxiety can potentially undermine the way children see themselves, the world and their important place in it – but it doesn’t have to be this way. When recognised and properly managed, anxiety is very treatable. With the right support, children can be empowered with the skills and knowledge to manage anxiety and move forward with courage and resilience. 
This dynamic workshop will help participants to recognise and respond to anxiety in children and adolescents. It will delve into the obvious and not so obvious signs of anxiety, discuss where they come from, why they exist and offer a range of practical, powerful interventions to assist participants to respond effectively within their own professional context.

Monday 23 November 2020, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Trinity Wharf, Tauranga, New Zealand
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Tuesday 24 November 2020, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Novotel Tainui, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Friday 27 November 2020, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Napier Conference Centre, Napier, New Zealand
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Friday 28 May 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Rydges Latimer Christchurch, Christchurch, NZ
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Wednesday 02 June 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
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Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety at School and Beyond (NZ)

As much as school can nurture, nourish and build children and adolescents, the very nature of school means that it can also be abundant with anxiety triggers that can significantly compromise their growth and development. Anxiety can be fuelled by anything unfamiliar or any situation that comes with the potential for embarrassment, failure, humiliation, shame, or separation – and school is ripe with all of them. School presents many children with some of the greatest challenges to their mental health, but it also presents some of the greatest opportunities to strengthen against anxiety. 

This workshop is for any professional who works with or within the education system, or with children or adolescents struggling with anxiety at school. Participants will learn practical strategies to effectively respond to children and teens with anxiety, as well as ways to capture the powerful buffering role school can play in strengthening all young people against anxiety at school and beyond. 

(At this stage, this event will be live-streamed to the event because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.)

Tuesday 20 October 2020, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Auckland, New Zealand
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Friday 23 October 2020, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Distinction Hotel, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Strengthening the Relationship With Your Teen (Scotland, online)

Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution International Online Conference.

Cyrenians Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution are holding an all-digital festival of events in place of their annual conference. This exciting programme includes several internationally-renowned special guests. SCCR have made this available for free, and you are welcome to sign up to as many as you wish. I will be speaking on 15 October from 10:00-10:30am (Brisbane time) about ways parents and other important adults can strengthen the relationship, connection, and influence with their tweens and teens. The 30 minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Thursday 22 October 2020, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution, Online (Time is Brisbane, Aus AEST)
Register Now
Transforming Anxiety into Courage and Resilience

Superpowered! – Transforming Anxiety into Courage and Resilience, with Renee Jain & Dr Shefali Tsabary

Join me for this Facebook Live event where I’ll be speaking with Renee Jain and Dr Shefali Tsabary about anxiety, courage and resilience.

Tuesday 22 September 2020, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Facebook Live (Time is Brisbane, Aust - AEST)
Register Now

Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety at School and Beyond (Aus)

As much as school can nurture, nourish and build children and adolescents, the very nature of school means that it can also be abundant with anxiety triggers that can significantly compromise their growth and development. Anxiety can be fuelled by anything unfamiliar or any situation that comes with the potential for failure, shame, embarrassment, humiliation, or separation from a loved one – and school is ripe with all of them. School presents many children with some of the greatest challenges to their mental health, but it also presents some of the greatest opportunities to strengthen against anxiety. This workshop is for any professional who works with or within the education system, or with children or adolescents struggling with anxiety at school. Participants will learn practical strategies to effectively respond to children and teens with anxiety, as well as ways to capture the powerful buffering role school can play in strengthening all young people against anxiety at school and beyond.

Friday 04 September 2020, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Mercure Townsville Resort, Townsville, Qld, Australia
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Supporting Children in Post-COVID Era (India, online)

Experts from the fields of education, psychology, paediatrics, philosophy and Montessori education will be joining together in a live Q & A to discuss how best to support children in a post-COVID era.
Wednesday 02 September 2020, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Vidyanjali Academy, Bangalore - Webinar
Register Now

Nurturing Self-Control

Self-control – what every parent/carer needs to know about this essential skill, including why it matters, how it impacts a child’s behaviour and how we can best support our children now and into their future.

Friday 05 June 2020, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Mother Duck Childcare & Preschool, Lawnton, Qld, Australia

Building Brave – For anyone who lives with or works with kids or teens.

What could our children do if they truly believed they were brave? In this transformational, heartfelt event, Karen Young and Michelle Mitchell come together to equip parents, carers and professionals with powerful strategies to help children and teens build resilience, thrive through anxiety and reach their potential. We will explore:

  • the powerful role that caring adults play in building brave;
  • a new way of understanding the role of anxiety and resilience in your child’s life;
  • the often unrecognised and different ways anxiety can manifest in children;
  • the impact of anxiety on friendships and school work;
  • proven, practical ways to respond to anxiety and make way for calm and courage;
  • how to build social resilience and equip them for the challenges of life;
  • how to strengthen your connection and influence.

    You know your child is capable of greatness. With some very specific strategies and solid information, we can make sure they know it too.

    If you would like BUILDING BRAVE to come to your school or community, please let us know. We will be touring nationally with this new project.

    Wednesday 11 September 2019, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
    Wellington Point, Brisbane
    Register Now
    Thursday 12 September 2019, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
    Bray Park, Brisbane
    Register Now
    Tuesday 22 October 2019, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
    Rochedale, Brisbane
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    Wednesday 23 October 2019, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
    Toowong, Brisbane
    Register Now

    Raising Brave Kids

    With anxiety in children (and parents) on the rise, it’s more important than ever to learn what we can do as parents to help children thrive in this chaotic world. Join us for this 4 hour parenting event, with Maggie Dent, Karen Young, and Warren Cann.

    Sunday 13 October 2019, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
    UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Register Now

    Strengthening Kids and Teens Against Anxiety

    This transformational session will provide parents and carers with the essential information and strategies to support their children and teens to build courage and resilience, uncovering their strengths, and take anxiety back to small enough.

    Thursday 11 April 2019, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
    Whitby School, Greenwich, CT, United States

    The Adolescent Brain

    During adolescence, the brain goes through a massive ‘renovation’. This talk is for anyone who lives or works with adolescents, and will explores changes that happen in the adolescent brain and how these influence relationships, friendships, and behaviour. 

    Tuesday 09 April 2019, 8:15 am-10:15 am
    Whitby School, Greenwich, CT, United States
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    Remember the power of ‘AND’. 

As long as they are actually safe:

They can feel anxious AND do brave.

They can feel like they aren’t ready for brave, AND be ready brave.

They can wish to avoid AND they can stay (or not be taken home).

They can be angry, anxious, and push us away AND we can look after them through the feelings without avoiding the brave/ new, hard/ important. 

We can wish for their anxiety, anger, sadness to be gone AND we can be with them without needing them to be different.

We can believe them (that they are anxious, scared, angry) AND believe in them (that they are capable).

When we hold their anxiety AND their capacity for brave, in equal measure and with compassion, we can show them that their anxiety doesn’t cancel their brave.♥️
    These stickers or temporary tattoos are go anywhere cheerleaders for their brave - because being brave is hard sometimes! Available as packs of 12 individual tattoos or stickers.

Of course, tattoos and stickers are much handier if there is something special to hold them in. Oh, I hear you - and I’ve got you … enter the Hey Warrior tin to store them in (or treasure, or wishes, or snacks, or promises that they’ll clean their room - for especially big negotiations). Because truly - is there even such a thing as too much storage? No. Pffft. Of course not. 

Now, of course, they’re all my favourites for equal amounts of time, but let me tell you about the hug tattoo and the hug sticker ... 

These little stunners are for hugs on demand. If you’ve ever heard me speak about separation anxiety, you’ll know that one way we can ease it is to bring the idea of a child’s loved person closer. But how? Hug tattoos and hug stickers is how!

The idea is to load the hug tattoo or sticker with hugs - as many as they need to last all day, or lots of days, or until breakfast. Whenever they miss you, they can give their tattoo or sticker a squeeze and wrap themselves in one or forty of those hugs you’ve put in there.

They can also put their hugs in a tattoo or a sticker for you (or your phone, your water bottle - you get the idea). Remind them that whenever they think of you during the day, it’s because you’re using one of the hugs they’ve loaded up for you.

The hug tattoos and stickers have been tested and re-tested for ‘volume holdability’, and the conclusion, established through rigorous testing, (because non-rigorous testing would kind of make it a ‘guess’ which would be pointless), is that they can hold heaps of hugs, times a thousand, plus one - because when we’re talking about hugs there’s always room for one more, but I know you know that.

Available separately (12 pack of individual stickers; 12 pack of temporary tattoos; or the Hey Warrior tin) or save 20% with a bundle.♥️

Click on the link in the bio or here to buy or for more info https://www.heysigmund.com/shop/
    Validation is a presence, not a speech. 

It doesn’t mean you’re being permissive, or rewarding ‘bad’ behaviour. It doesn’t mean you’re saying the storm is okay. It’s a way of handling the storm and offering a safe passage through it, without judgement, shame, isolation.

Think about the times your big feels have taken over. Has it ever worked ever, in the history of forever, for someone to tell you to calm down, or shut you down, or manage you. Nope. Not for me either.

Because when we’re in big feels, we don’t need to be managed, we need to be seen. We don’t do or say the rubbish things we do  because we don’t know the rules of social engagement, or because we haven’t had enough consequences, or because we think these things are okay. In fact, we’re not thinking at all. We do these things because in that moment, we don’t have the resources to do differently.

Validation is a way of adding resources, through relationship. It’s a strong, loving presence that sends the message, ‘Bring your feelings to me. I can take care of you through this. And I can keep you and everyone including you safe along the way.’

Of course even during a storm we need to hold boundaries to keep everyone safe (them, you, others), but let these be loving - hold the boundary, add warmth. ‘Yes, this is big. I want to hear you. (Relationship) No I won’t listen when you speak like that. When you can speak in a way I can hear, then we can talk (boundary). You’re not in trouble. I’m right here. (Relationship)

The might be a need for repair, learning, or talking about what’s happened, but during the storm isn’t that time.

We can’t reason with someone in big feels because the thinking brain, the part than can think rationally, logically, plan, think through consequences, make deliberate decisions, is locked out for a bit. This happens to all of us. It’s why we all do or say things that aren’t great when we’re in big feelings.

We can’t stop a storm once it’s storming, but we can offer a safe passage through it. This is what validation does. It a safe passage to a place of calm and connection, where you can have the influence and the conversations that will be growthful.♥️
    The need for attention is instinctive. 

We all need to be seen because that is how we stay safe. Attention is a need - a physiological, relational, instinctive need.

If attention is something we have to work for, or if it only happens when we’re ‘noticeable’ (as in demanding it, yelling for it, disappearing ourselves) our nervous systems will try to find a way back to safety by making ourselves visible. Brains would always rather be seen in a bad way, than not be seen at all - because being unseen is unsafe. 

This isn’t a ‘kid’ thing. It’s a ‘human’ thing. Attention needing behaviour happens in our adult relationships too. If there isn’t enough play, joy, affection, we start to make ourselves noticeable. This might look like little verbal ‘swipes’, criticism, arguments, snaps. Ugh. We’ve all been there.

The mistake we’ve been making is tangling the need for attention with the need to be the centre of attention.

If a child’s behaviour is inviting (demanding?) attention, it’s because they are needing attention. The need is valid, even if the behaviour is a little (a lot?!) messy. All of us can struggle with niceties when our needs are screaming at us from the inside of us.

Of course you see them, love them, and would do anything for them. This isn’t about that - it’s about them feeling you enjoying them, seeking them out. It’s about them feeling the abundance of you - so much caring there are leftovers that they can tuck away for rainy days. 

Sometimes of course there are just too many rainy days. Even as the most loving, attentive, devoted parents though, we get busy, distracted, stressed. That’s so okay and so normal! But it might mean our kiddos feel start to feel the absence of us a teeny bit. They won’t tell us they miss us. They’ll show us.

Of course we need to hold strong loving boundaries, but what can you add in to let them see that you enjoy them, miss them, like them.

Microconnections matter. Think of the difference it makes to you when someone shows you in teeny ways - a comment, a noticing, a seeking out of you - that they see you, even when they don’t have to. It’s oxygen.♥️
    I love being a parent. I love it with every part of my being and more than I ever thought I could love anything. Honestly though, nothing has brought out my insecurities or vulnerabilities as much. This is so normal. Confusing, and normal. 

However many children we have, and whatever age they are, each child and each new stage will bring something new for us to learn. It will always be this way.

Our children will each do life differently, and along the way we will need to adapt and bend ourselves around their path to light their way as best we can. But we won’t do this perfectly, because we can’t always know what mountains they’ll need to climb, or what dragons they’ll need to slay. We won’t always know what they’ll need, and we won’t always be able to give it. We don’t need to. But we’ll want to. Sometimes we’ll ache because of this and we’ll blame ourselves for not being ‘enough’. Sometimes we won’t. This is the vulnerability that comes with parenting. 

We love them so much, and that never changes, but the way we feel about parenting might change a thousand times before breakfast. Parenting is tough. It’s worth every second - every second - but it’s tough.

Great parents can feel everything, and sometimes it can turn from moment to moment - loving, furious, resentful, compassionate, gentle, tough, joyful, selfish, confused and wise - all of it. Great parents can feel all of it.

Because parenting is pure joy, but not always. We are strong, nurturing, selfless, loving, but not always. Parents aren’t perfect. Love isn’t perfect. And it was meant to be. We’re raising humans - real ones, with feelings, who don’t need to be perfect, and wont  need others to be perfect. Humans who can be kind to others, and to themselves first. But they will learn this from us.

Parenting is the role which needs us to be our most human, beautifully imperfect, flawed, vulnerable selves. Let’s not judge ourselves for our shortcomings and the imperfections, and the necessary human-ness of us.❤️

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