Treatment for Selective Mutism in Children

About this seminar: Selective mutism is a severe and complex anxiety disorder that affects 1 in every 140 children in the first three years of school and even greater numbers in preschool. Whilst the condition closely resembles social phobia, standard cognitive-behavioural treatments in the clinic similar to those used for social phobia have limited efficacy. Selective Mutism has a very high level of comorbidity with other disorders and treatment is more difficult and longer the older the child. Treatment at any age needs an intensive, multidimensional approach with a school program being an essential component of treatment.

This seminar will outline a multidimensional cognitive-behavioural approach to treatment in children with selective mutism that involves an intensive school program with skills training for the classroom teacher, all school personnel, the parent(s), and the child. Strategies specific to Selective Mutism treatment that differ from standard CBT for anxiety disorders will be highlighted. The complexities and comorbid conditions of selective mutism that impact treatment will be discussed as well as family factors that need to be addressed.

About the presenter: Elizabeth Woodcock is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Selective Mutism Clinic and Dr Elizabeth Woodcock & Associates in St Leonards, Sydney. Elizabeth has worked as a clinician, supervisor, and trainer for over 15 years in the area of selective mutism and co-authored a book chapter in 2007 called ‘Treatment Programmes for Children with Selective Mutism’. Elizabeth completed a PhD and Masters of Clinical Psychology from the University of New South Wales and later worked with children with selective mutism and other severe psychiatric conditions at Redbank House (Westmead Hospital) – a tertiary service for children and families. Elizabeth currently sees children and adults in private practice, and provides regular training seminars for parents and schools about selective mutism, supervision for professionals, and treatment for children with selective mutism in Sydney as well as for children throughout Australia through their ‘Outreach program’.

Cost:                       $55 ($33 for full-time students) plus $0.30 booking fee

Registration:           http://www.trybooking.com/UPYW, Registration deadline is Wednesday 2nd May 2018.

Cancellations:   No refunds, but attendee substitutions are allowed.