Creative interventions to assess and treat school refusal

Presented by SickKids CCMH Learning Institute

Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 1p.m. to 4 p.m. ET
Facilitator: Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S.

Description: Anxiety and school refusal is on the rise, and is a particular concern due to the impact on emotional, academic, social, and family functioning. The longer a child avoids or misses school, the more likely it will become entrenched, and will be more difficult to treat.

It is important to assess the reasons underlying the child’s school refusal, so that an effective treatment plan can be implemented.

This webinar will present innovative assessment and treatment interventions for school refusal. The most efficacious treatment for school refusal in the research is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach is enhanced by integrating engaging activities so that children will more readily participate in treatment and learn key skills.

Through case examples, activity demonstrations, and experiential exercises, this three-hour webinar will combine theoretical material with hands-on therapeutic techniques. Interventions will be geared to children aged 4 to 12.

Learning objectives:

• List the most common factors underlying school refusal.
• Implement techniques to assess school refusal.
• Describe methods for fostering treatment readiness in anxious children.
• Implement a gradual exposure plan to treat school refusal.
• Discuss effective strategies for use by parents and teachers.

Registration fee: General - $150  |  Student - $135

For full program overview and registration details please visit: https://cvent.me/mWNzRA

Facilitator Bio:
Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S., is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT Therapist who has been working with children and families in Toronto since 1988. An internationally recognized speaker, she delivers dynamic trainings across North America and around the world, with recent engagements in China, South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

Liana is the author of 15 widely acclaimed books on child and family therapy, known for their practical and creative interventions. She is the proud recipient of the Monica Herbert Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the field of play therapy. 

Continuing Education (CE) information: 3 CE hours