School refusal: Creative CBT interventions for assessment and treatment
Event date: -
Event location: Online
Event Link: https://cvent.me/gb2Vm8
Event type: Single day (a day or less)
School refusal: Creative CBT interventions for assessment and treatment
Presented by SickKids CCMH Learning Institute
Date: September 30, 2026 | 1 to 4 p.m. ET
Facilitator: Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S.
CE hours: 3
Prerequisite: Knowledge/training in foundational CBT.
Level of training: Intermediate
Client age category: For professionals who work with clients aged 4 to 12 years.
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 and group rates are available
For full program overview and registration details please visit: https://cvent.me/gb2Vm8
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
SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer continuing education (CE) hours. The number of eligible CE hours are outlined within each program. SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute maintains responsibility for the programs.
Other licensing boards and professional organizations will grant continuing education credits for attendance at their own discretion; participants will need to submit the course outline and Certificate of Participation for their consideration.
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