In-Person Training (Columbia)

3 CE Hours

“Hidden Healing: Creative Approaches to Supporting Adolescent Males and Young Men”

Dean Porterfield, MA, NCC, LPC-MHSP; Kenneth Davis, LADAC

Adolescent males and young men often face unique barriers to engaging in traditional therapeutic services, including stigma, cultural expectations, and discomfort with conventional treatment formats. This presentation explores innovative approaches to increasing engagement by incorporating therapeutic interventions that are integrated into activities and environments that feel more natural and accessible to young men. By reframing therapeutic interactions and utilizing strengths-based, activity-driven strategies, clinicians can create opportunities for meaningful connection and emotional growth without relying solely on traditional therapy.

Objectives:

• Identify at least three common barriers that prevent young men from engaging in traditional therapeutic services, including stigma, cultural expectations, and discomfort with conventional therapy formats.
• Describe at least two activity-based or strengths-focused strategies that can be used to increase therapeutic engagement among young men.
• Explain how peer support groups and community involvement, such as the Young Men’s Collaborative, can enhance engagement, accountability, and personal growth for young men in treatment.

About the Speaker(s)

Dean Porterfield, MA, NCC, LPC-MHSP

Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider with more than 25 years of experience in adolescent behavioral health, substance use treatment, family systems therapy, program administration, strategic development, and organizational leadership. Currently serves as Executive Director of ARCH Academy and owner of Do Life! Counseling & Consulting PLLC.

Kenneth Davis, LADAC

TLPCA Contact

If you any questions, please contact Stephanie Grissom.