The Art of Kid Whispering

Reaching the Inside Kid

Problem behaviors are often the focus of intervention instead of recognizing that these are expressions of inner pain and distress. This training is the pathway to discovering the private logic and goals of the inside kid. Participants will examine the impact of trauma and loss on how distrustful and defiant youth employ coping strategies of Fight, Flight, or Fool in their attempt to outwit the adult. These young people desperately need the guiding light of a well-trained caring adult. Participants will learn to recognize pain-based behavior, identify the costumes used to mask their inner thoughts and feelings, and use problems as teachable moments and opportunities for growth.

Two-day certification for professionals working with challenging youth.

Course Curriculum

Understanding Childhood and Adolescent Development
Positive Youth Development Science
Talking and Listening to the Child
Using the Data to Restore

Instructors

Mark Freado

Mark Freado, MA in Counseling and MA in Forensic Psychology, is Director of Growing Edge Training, LLC, Westerville, Ohio. He has a forty-year career in mental health, education, social services, program development, leadership, and training. He served in direct care and executive roles with Pressley Ridge and as director of the American Re-ED Association. For over 20 years, he has been a key leader in developing the reclaiming youth movement including serving as Director of the International Training Network for CF Learning, a program of Cal Farley’s in Amarillo, Texas. He and J. C. Chambers co-authored The Art of Kid Whispering: Reaching the Inside Kid. He is also co-developer of Planning Restorative Outcomes, a strength-based assessment model and serves as an expert witness in juvenile justice hearings. He provides professional development and consultation to organizations world-wide.