Empowering – Compassionate – Unique
I am passionate about empowering youth to positively navigate the awkward and often complicated teen years and I help the adults who influence them to better understand the teen experience so they can be more supportive and compassionate. I also speak about the need to completely eliminate bullying from our society.
Check out my “Teen Talk” column by visiting amotherworld.
Success Programs
The teen years can be difficult ones. The basic day-to-day activities bring constant demands and increasing responsibility and pressures. Add the stress and confusion that can be caused by a large number of factors – family issues, low self-esteem or loss of a loved one, to name just a few – and these important years can become painful, difficult ones. My success programs help provide teens valuable skills they can use now and in the future to confidently navigate through any difficulties and frustrations. By applying a variety of techniques that are selected to compliment the participant’s strengths and abilities, along with my proprietary FIT and WIN concepts, I help teens to deal with problems, create solutions and build a solid foundation from which they can step toward their futures. The skills and techniques learned will be useful now and in the future. Benefits teens will gain from my programs include:
- written and verbal communication skills
- increased confidence
- time management
- analytical and problem solving skills
- creative expression and brainstorming
- building and maintaining positive relationships
- goal-setting and achievement
- decision-making skills
- strategic planning
- eliminating negative influences
- research skills
My programs provide one-on-one direction and support, whether for specific issues or as a consultant for a specified time period to help teens stay focussed, confident and on-track. Consultations are offered in the teen’s choice of preferred format via phone, Skype, or online chats. Tangible items will be created so the teen can easily refer back to what they want to achieve and how they plan to do so. Email support is provided once each week throughout the programs and follow-up consultations are provided to support the teen as they implement solutions and take steps along their paths. Parents will be provided with a short summary via email following each session, if requested.
Create Your Story - For teens who are going through the day-to-day motions but have no idea what they want to do in life, how to figure it out and how to get there. In six personalized sessions, I help them nail down their interests and abilities, determine their options and strategize the route they can take to get there.
Esteem Teen - For those who lack confidence in themselves and their abilities. During six deep and personal consultations, I help them recognize their potential and identify their personal truths to help them live authentically while eliminating any negative influences.
Calm the Conflict - For those with a strong sense of who they are and where they are going but have hit a roadblock along the way. During four focussed sessions, this program identifies, examines and determines a plan to resolve specific problems.
Phenomenal Teen - Combining each of the other programs, this intensive provides a cohesive series of self-discovery, goal setting and problem solving. During eight sessions, teens will improve their self esteem and identify values, examine issues and create plans to solve any existing problems. In addition, they will consider and determine future goals regarding relationships, schooling, work, and career as applicable, as well as create and implement a plan to achieve the goals including timelines and available resources.
New Year, New Teen: NOW – Why wait for a new year to create resolutions to do better? Start anytime and receive my Phenomenal Teen program with a choice of bi-weekly or monthly consulting calls, resources as needed and unlimited e-mail support for a full 12 months. During those 12 months, whatever they may bring, we will fix it, plan it, believe it and achieve it!
Grief Relief – For teens who have lost a family member or friend, this program walks the teen through the process of accepting what has happened, honouring the individual and giving their relationship meaning and creating unique, tangible items to maintain a connection to their loved one. During six compassionate sessions, teens will gain a better understanding of the ebb and flow of grief and be given tools to help them understand and release the emotions they are experiencing because of the loss.
Parent-teen communication issues? Sibling rivalry problems? I can help with that!
Elephant in the Room - By facilitating proactive, positive conversations, issues can be addressed and problems solved to eliminate poor relationships, negative feelings and existing issues. This single-session program uses phone, Skype, e-mail and instant messaging methods to create comfortable means of expression and communication, depending on the needs of all parties. With issues identified, resources and a plan can be put in place to resolve the issues and improve family dynamics.
Not sure which program is the best fit? Get in touch so we can determine what will work. In addition to Teenologist training, I have combined my professional and personal experience to offer a highly personal and compassionate level of service that both teens and parents are often unable to find in other youth counsellors or coaches and make my programs truly unique. To provide highly focussed consultations, I accept a limited number of clients in each program. Contact me today to enquire about available spaces.
Speaking
Teens: Misinterpreted – In an extended version of the speech I gave at an Ignite London event, I help adults gain an improved understanding of the teen experience and the needs of this vulnerable age group. This allows parents, educators, and anyone who plays a supportive role in the life of a teenager to better relate, communicate and help guide their teen along what can be a challenging path through the teen years.
Life After Loss – Directed toward youth who have experienced loss either first-hand or due to a friend’s experience, this talk provides a unique and sensitive approach to how youth can navigate through the grieving process, how they can support one another and move forward in life positively without feeling guilt or overwhelming sadness.
What’s Your Story? – This interactive discussion helps teens increase their self-confidence, build positive relationships, and gain a greater appreciation for themselves and those around them. Participants will also improve their communication, decision-making and literacy skills.
The Unidentified Bully – Despite the ongoing works of many individuals and organizations to bring an end to the very real, very detrimental problem of bullying, a certain type of bullying is consistently unaddressed. I give this experience and problem a voice to help others know they are not alone, that it is not acceptable, and to help bring an end to all types of bullying.
Contact me today to reserve your date in my speaking calendar! I am also available to emcee special events such as graduations, award ceremonies, fundraisers and volunteer/staff recognition events.
Video and Audio
Check out my five-minute talk entitled Teens: Misinterpreted from an Ignite London event, in which I provide a quick summary of the often unrecognized issues teens face while trying to plan their futures:
I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion about bullying on the talk radio show Girl Talk with Marlo. Listen in to what the panel had to say about this important topic:
Watch for updates to this page as videos from other presentations are added to this site.
Testimonials
“…love what you’re doing. It is something that is so needed today for our teens. They can be so hard to read. (You’re) very understanding and supportive.”
Mr. and Mrs. V.
“You make me feel better. Like there is a solution and this roller coaster isn’t just my life.”
S.W., 17
“The Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr had the pleasure of having Dawn speak to our club about youth culture and needs of youth. Her unique perspectives would be of interest to young people as well as anyone who wishes to make a positive impact on them.”
Ron Weber, Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr
“Your talk is one that inspired… I could relate to your talk so very much. Thank you!”
“Your talk was most excellent. Very good speaker.”
Denise Testa, JD Communication & Design
“Great talk on youth culture… I think you would have some great things to teach…”
Daryl Andrews, Youth Pastor
“I took your advice and it totally seems to have resolved the problem. Thank you!”
N.F., 19
“Dawn, thanks so much for taking part (in the panel). I really appreciated your perspective. I do hope you will join me again in the future.”
Marlo Boux, Host, Girl Talk with Marlo
“Great talk (about) teens.”
Stuart Clark, S. Clark Consulting