Description

Getting your child to school can become one of the most stressful parts of the day for both children and parents. Whether your child complains of headaches, worries excessively, refuses to leave home, or experiences emotional distress related to school, understanding the reasons behind these behaviors is the first step toward helping. In this informative and practical webinar, Dr. Michael Selbst will explain factors contributing to school refusal/avoidance, including the impact of anxiety, stress, learning challenges, social difficulties, and family issues, and what parents can do to respond effectively. Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies to support their child, reduce conflict, build resilience, and work collaboratively with schools to promote successful school attendance.

Presenter Bio: Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ is the Executive Director of Behavior Therapy Associates in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level, and Licensed Behavior Analyst in New Jersey. Dr. Selbst earned his undergraduate degree with honors in Psychology at the University of Delaware, and he was awarded a University Fellowship to Temple University, where he attained his Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in School Psychology.

He has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of clients who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, social skills deficits, learning disabilities, as well as family and relationship issues, parent training, and co-parenting. Dr. Selbst has extensive experience working with pre-school-aged children through adults, including expertise in helping individuals work through significant life changes and transitions. He has led numerous workshops, including at local, statewide, national, and international conferences. Dr. Selbst is co-author of the Behavior Problems Resource Kit: Forms and Procedures for Identification, Measurement and Intervention and the social skills curriculum, POWER-Solving®: Stepping Stones to Solving Life’s Everyday Social Problems, and the book chapter “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” in A. G. Dempsey’s (Ed.) book, Pediatric health conditions in schools: a clinician’s guide for working with children, families, and educators.

Dr. Selbst’s professional interests and approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and applying Behavior Analysis in his work with individuals, families, and organizations. He assists clients in increasing their psychological flexibility, making meaningful steps toward who and what is important to them. Dr. Selbst is a member of the following professional organizations: American Psychological Association; National Association of School Psychologists; Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies; Association for Behavior Analysis International; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; New Jersey Psychological Association; and New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He has previously served as a member of a Human Rights Committee for adults with developmental delays. Dr. Selbst also serves as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.