WMU News

Coping with the problem child

Nov. 25, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- A well-known adolescent psychologist will present workshops on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 3-4, at Western Michigan University to help professionals and parents learn how to better cope with problem children.

Both workshops will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fetzer Center. Wednesday's workshop, titled "The Oppositional and Defiant Child," will help participants work with children who have problems emotionally, behaviorally and academically. Thursday's workshop, titled "The Kid Who Doesn't Care," will help participants deal with youngsters who repeatedly violate major age-appropriate society norms or rules.

Dr. James D. Sutton, a consulting psychologist and noted writer and speaker, will present the two-part program. Sutton has a doctorate in educational psychology from Brigham Young University and has written a number of influential works, including "Conducting a Diagnostic Interview with Children and Adolescents" and "It Makes a Difference."

A licensed psychologist, Sutton began his career as a classroom teacher and has earned credentials as a school psychologist, professional counselor and certified chemical dependency specialist. He has served as a consultant for public and private schools, residential treatment centers, emergency youth shelters, juvenile probation authorities, special education cooperatives and regional education service centers.

His workshops are targeted toward parents as well as teachers, school administrators and counselors, guidance clinic staff, family therapists, social workers, juvenile court personnel and Family Independence Agency personnel. He uses case examples, planned activities and group brainstorming in his sessions.

The workshops, which carry a fee, are being sponsored by WMU's Office of Professional Programs and Conferences. They are open to the public, although both workshops are nearly filled to capacity. The professional programs and conferences office is investigating bringing Sutton back to campus at a later date to meet the high demand for his programs.


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