Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder that is often misunderstood as shyness, defiance, or a reluctance to participate. As a result, well-intentioned responses from adults can sometimes unintentionally increase anxiety or reinforce avoidance, leaving children feeling stuck and professionals unsure of how to help.

This workshop provides a practical, evidence-based introduction to understanding Selective Mutism and supporting children across school, medical, and community settings. Participants will learn how anxiety impacts communication, how to recognize common barriers to brave speaking, and how everyday interactions can either strengthen avoidance or foster confidence. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will leave better equipped to create supportive environments that encourage brave communication and help children gradually find their voice.

Ideal for: Schools, pediatric providers, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and community organizations.

Participants will learn to:

• recognize the signs and presentation of Selective Mutism across settings

• distinguish supportive responses from well-intentioned accommodations that may unintentionally reinforce anxiety

• implement practical, evidence-based strategies that encourage brave speaking and build communication confidence

• collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams to promote consistent support across environments

Available formats: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute workshops

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns affecting children, yet it often presents in ways that are easily overlooked or misunderstood. Quiet participation, perfectionism, emotional outbursts, frequent reassurance-seeking, avoidance, and school refusal can all be signs of underlying anxiety rather than defiance or a lack of motivation.

This workshop helps professionals recognize how anxiety manifests across home, school, and community settings while introducing practical, evidence-based strategies that promote confidence, resilience, and brave behavior. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of childhood anxiety, along with concrete tools they can begin using immediately to support children in facing challenges with greater confidence and independence.

Ideal for: Schools, pediatric providers, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and community organizations.

Participants will learn to:

• recognize common signs and presentations of childhood anxiety across settings

• distinguish supportive responses from accommodations that may unintentionally reinforce avoidance

• implement practical strategies that promote confidence, independence, and brave behavior

• identify when additional evaluation or evidence-based treatment may be beneficial

Available formats: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute workshops

Children make the greatest gains when the important adults in their lives are working toward the same goals. Yet balancing accommodations with encouragement, navigating difficult conversations, and maintaining consistency across home, school, and treatment settings can often feel challenging for even the most experienced professionals.

This workshop explores practical, evidence-based approaches for strengthening partnerships with caregivers while promoting consistency across the environments where children live, learn, and grow. Participants will learn effective communication strategies, collaborative problem-solving techniques, and parent coaching principles that empower families to support brave behavior and help children generalize progress beyond the therapy room.

Ideal for: Schools, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.

Participants will learn to:

• build collaborative, strengths-based relationships with caregivers

• communicate about anxiety and accommodations in a compassionate and effective manner

• apply practical parent coaching principles that encourage brave behavior across everyday situations

• promote consistency between home, school, and treatment to support lasting progress

Available formats: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute workshops

Every organization has unique goals, audiences, and professional development needs. In addition to our signature workshops, Square One Psychology offers customized presentations designed around the specific challenges and priorities of your team. Whether you are seeking a focused discussion on a particular topic, a multidisciplinary training, or a conference presentation, workshops can be tailored to your objectives, experience level, and available time.

From classroom anxiety and school refusal to parent coaching, exposure-based treatment, behavioral strategies, and evidence-based interventions, presentations are thoughtfully developed to provide practical, relevant, and immediately applicable learning experiences. We'd be delighted to collaborate with you to create a workshop that best supports your staff and the children and families you serve.

Ideal for: Schools, healthcare organizations, mental health professionals, community agencies, conferences, and multidisciplinary teams.

Available formats: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute workshops, half-day trainings, conference presentations, and customized professional development.