This workshop will explore the various reasons why kids and teens may have a hard time opening up in therapy. Generation Alpha comes with the challenges that accompany technology and the pandemic, along with the enduring challenges including suicide prevention, trauma responses, the need for communication skill building, and trust-building. Understanding the obstacle allows the clinician to employ the most appropriate strategy to engage the youth or elicit the information needed. Participants will leave with a menu of options for encouraging conversations. Conversation cards, the use of games, puppets, whiteboards, humor, homework challenges, and strategic framing will be explored. The power of incorporating siblings and other family members will also be emphasized. Presenter will share her favorite phrases for introductions, assessments, invitations, and explanations.

Participants will be guided through a play-filled meditation experience where they have the opportunity to invite their inner children to put on their explorer hats and splash in puddles while igniting the essence of adventure and play back into their lives and hearts. The meditation will bridge with an emphasis of loving kindness: self-affirmation and building friendship. Participants will then have the opportunity to Learn Core Mindfulness Skills: Observe, Describe, Participate, Non-Judgmental Stance, One-Mindful, and Effectiveness through an immersive play experience, their desk/space will temporarily become their playground as each skill is invited. The Second half of our meeting will be a Social-Work Show and Tell: participants will have the opportunity to highlight an item that has been either an: inspiration, cozy comfort, sacred tool, point of passion, and a powerful quote. During the Share Circle: Participants will further practice core-mindfulness skills as they take turns having contrasting roles between the sharer and the receiver of information. 

Sexuality is a vital part of human identity, yet many clients struggle to bring it into therapy—and many therapists feel unprepared to welcome it. This workshop introduces the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models, practical frameworks that help therapists address sexual health with clarity, confidence, and sensitivity. 

Sponsored by the NASW Social and Economic Justice & Peace Committee and open to all NASW members. 2025 is coming to an end, and at times, it has been a challenging year. Diversity is a negative term, hurtful speech is rampant, finger pointing is daily, and many negative "isms" are alive and well. Despite these challenging times, the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us in 105 (b) & (c) "that social workers must take action against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege," and "holding institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility." Given these responsibilities, how can we lead positive discourse with our agencies, leaders, peers, and clients? Please join the Social & Economic Justice & Peace committee for an hour-long live webinar discussion on how to lead positive discourse.