Understanding Social-Emotional Functioning

Development, Assessment, and Functional Relevance for Children and Adolescents

Deep-dive into understanding and assessment of social-emotional functioning during childhood and the adolescent years

This evidence-informed workshop offers a deep and practical exploration of social-emotional functioning across childhood and adolescence, integrating developmental theory, assessment frameworks, clinical casework, and functional relevance.

Facilitated by one of Therapywell’s Co-Directors and Advanced Speech Pathologist (Mental Health), Kym Robinson, this half-day training is designed to equip clinicians and educators with the conceptual clarity and applied tools to better identify, understand, and respond to social-emotional challenges in their work with children and young people.

26 September 2025

  • Friday, 26 September 2025

  • 9:00am - 2:00pm

  • Morning, lunch and refreshments included

  • 4.5 Hours CPD

  • Venue TBC

Development

Assessment

Functional Impact

⋆ Development ⋆ Assessment ⋆ Functional Impact

Why This Training Matters

Social-emotional development plays a critical role in shaping a child’s learning, relationships, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. Yet many practitioners report difficulty formulating the "why" behind a child’s social or emotional dysregulation—especially when presentations overlap or don’t neatly fit a diagnostic box

This training unpacks that complexity by:

  • Offering an integrated understanding of developmental pathways

  • Showcasing comparative frameworks like CASEL, SCERTS, and Zones of Regulation

  • Linking clinical formulations with functional outcomes

  • Providing practical tools for assessment, reporting, and intervention

  • Embracing a strengths-based, neuroaffirming lens that respects individual variation

Key Learning Areas

Core Concepts & Developmental Foundations

  • Social-emotional definitions, terminology, and key developmental theories

  • The neuroscience of co-regulation, attachment, and emotion processing

Models in Practice

  • What frameworks like CASEL, SCERTS, and Zones of Regulation offer—and where they differ

  • How to tailor your approach based on the child’s profile and context

Clinical Presentations Across Diagnoses

Case-based exploration of ASD, ADHD, trauma, language disorders, anxiety, and more

Understanding symptom overlap and co-occurrence

Best-Practice Assessment & Formulation

  • Observational strategies and multidisciplinary approaches

  • Integrating qualitative and quantitative data

  • Developing informed, purposeful formulations that guide action

Functional Implications & NDIS Considerations

  • Real-world impacts on learning, social integration, emotional regulation, and family life

  • Writing functional, SMART-aligned goals within NDIS frameworks

  • Bridging therapeutic and capacity-building needs

Language that Matters: Neurodiversity vs Neurodivergence

  • Supporting identity-affirming practice and inclusive documentation

  • Knowing when to shift language depending on audience and purpose

“Every behaviour has a story. Understanding social-emotional development helps us read between the lines.”

What’s Included

  • 4.5 hours of high-impact learning with structured content delivery

  • Printable handouts, practical tools, and a curated reading list

  • Assessment templates & SMART goal-writing examples

  • Morning tea & lunch

  • Certificate of attendance (CPD-ready)

  • Access to post-event Q&A follow-up and bonus materials

This workshop blends theory with live demonstrations, experiential activities, and self-reflection — supporting immediate application to your practice

Kym Robinson | Director, Advanced Speech Pathologist (Mental Health)

Kym is an experienced Speech Pathologist with over 30 years of clinical practice, specialising in social-emotional and communication challenges within mental health. Her work spans childhood to adulthood, with a particular focus on neurodiversity, trauma-informed care, and forensic settings. Drawing from her extensive training—including Hanen programs and Social Thinking®—Kym brings a rich, holistic perspective to assessment and intervention. A seasoned presenter and passionate advocate for the profession, she’s known for delivering practical, evidence-based insights grounded in empathy and inclusion.

Friday 26 September

9:00am - 2:00pm

Early Bird Tickets

Understanding Social-Emotional Functioning | EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Sale Price: $335.00 Original Price: $395.00

Full Price

Frequently Asked Questions


Your top questions answered. Don’t see an answer here? Reach out to us, we’d love to answer all your questions.

  • This one-day workshop is aimed at practitioners who work with children, young people, adults, couples, families and/or organisations who provide counselling, family therapy or systemic support to in counselling, mental health, or community services who are interesting in a framework for thoughtfully and intentionally combining therapeutic knowledge and approaches in the service of the client. E.g., Psychologists, Social Workers, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychiatrists, Human Services Workers, Counsellors.

  • In this workshop participants will develop:

    • Understanding of family therapy as a framework for practice

    • Systemic thinking based on systems concepts

    • Understanding of theory of change in systemic practice

    Participants will learn:

    The Systemic Meta-Framework for Integrative Practice

    • Way of Being

    • Therapeutic Alliance with a focus on Neurobiology and Theory of Change

    • Systems Thinking for Assessment and Formulation

    • Decision Making

    • Intervention Planning

    • Review of Intervention for ongoing Decision Making

    Participants will have an experience of:

    • Systemic consultation for application the Systemic Meta-Framework

  • As this is a hands on, highly interactive workshop, this particular workshop is designed to be in person and not available to join online.

  • Absolutely! This workshop consists of pre-reading work in addition to the workshop delivery on the day. In total this workshop counts towards 8 hours CPD and you will be provided with a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the day.

  • Yes! All participants will receive a formal Certificate of Attendance documenting 8 CPD hours, on the day, at the conclusion of the workshop.

  • As this is a hands on and highly interactive workshop, participants are discouraged from from using their laptops or other technology to assist with note taking.

    Participants receive a hard copy interactive program workbook, containing all the information presented in the slides, which will be utilised throughout the day.

    *Please contact us if you have an accessibility need so that we can assist you with this.

  • Participants will receive a hard copy interactive program workbook, containing all the information presented in the slides, however the presentation slides will not be distributed electronically.

  • Cancellation Policy for Workshops

    We understand that circumstances may change, and cancellations may be necessary. Below is our cancellation and refund policy for the Workshop:

    1. Cancellations Requests received more than 30 Days Prior to the Event

      • Cancellations received more than 30 days before the event date are eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fee.

    2. Cancellations Between 15 and 30 Days Prior to the Event

      • Cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the event date are eligible for a 25% refund of the registration fee.

    3. Cancellations Less than 15 Days Prior to the Event

      • Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided for cancellations made less than 15 days before the event.

    4. Registration Transfer

      • Registration is transferrable to another professional, provided the individual meets the minimum attendance requirements. Please contact us at info@therapywell.com.au to arrange a ticket transfer.

    All transfer requests, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@therapywell.com.au. Refunds will be processed within 10 business days.

  • By registering for our Workshops, attendees agree to the following terms and conditions:

    1. Photography and Video Consent

      • As a condition of attendance, participants consent to being photographed and filmed during the event. Therapywell reserves the right to use any photographs or video footage for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or video, please notify event staff in advance.

    2. Confidentiality

      • Participants are expected to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information shared during the workshop. This includes discussions, case studies, and any personal or professional experiences shared by other participants.

    3. Privacy

      • Therapywell is committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal information collected during registration or throughout the event will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with Australian privacy laws. We will not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.

    4. Content Ownership and Sharing

      • All materials, including but not limited to presentations, handouts, and any other content shared during the workshop, are the intellectual property of the facilitator and/or Therapywell. Participants are strictly prohibited from copying, distributing, or sharing any content without express permission from Therapywell.

    5. Recording

      • Audio or video recording of the workshop by participants is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is obtained from Therapywell.

    By attending, you acknowledge that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in removal from the event without refund.