INTERNATIONALLY renowned clinical psychologist and author Michael Yapko provided some fresh insights for Brisbane Catholic Education guidance counsellors during a workshop at the O’Shea Centre.
Mr Yapko, who routinely teaches by invitation to professional audiences all over the world, is an expert in areas of treating depression, strategic short-term psychotherapy and clinical applications of hypnosis.
At the invitation of BCE’s Student Wellbeing team late last year, he spoke about issues including positive psychology in schools and what teachers and counsellors can do to assist students to cope if they or their parents had depression.
Guidance counsellor Judy Butler said the captive audience was treated to an inspiring day at the feet of a wise master, who shared his expertise in the understanding and treatment of anxiety and depression.
She said Mr Yapko was a breath of fresh air in the quest to serve an over medicated, inattentive, egocentric, anxious, “give it to me now” generation.
“He clearly identifies that since depression is more a social than medical problem and is contagious, treatment interventions need to consider the young person’s social environment,” Ms Butler said.
She said Mr Yapko was thoughtful in providing strategies and resources for guidance counsellors to take back to their school communities and be the weather, wherein they create a climate for change.
“Michael left us filled with optimism and empowered to share the message to our school communities of the importance of early intervention by teaching positive coping skills to all and especially those who are considered vulnerable,” she said.
Assisi Catholic College guidance counsellor Anne Lambert said she felt blessed to attend another workshop by Mr Yapko.
She said as a clinical psychologist, the opportunity to attend a workshop by a quality international presenter, and learn from a master of his profession was enlightening and empowering.
“It will certainly add to both my practice within the school setting and also to my professional skill set,” she said.
Ms Lambert said BCE, like Mr Yapko, applied a proactive approach to wellbeing.
“As I have personal interest in a mindfulness-based approach, integrated with cognitive behavioural therapy, this workshop built on my current interests in a strengths and skills-based and empowerment approach,” she said.
“Combined with the latest research and advances in neuroscience, I felt better equipped by the information received from Michael, and further confirmed the individual approach that I utilise with students in the school that I work.”
Ms Lambert said as the prevalence of anxiety and depression in young people was more widely recognised and diagnosed, intervening at a young age as Mr Yapko promoted would have huge advantages for the young people in BCE schools.
