Martha Dobbins, MA, LPC
TLC Certified Trainer

Martha Dobbins, MA, LPC is the Director of Training Initiatives at Starr Commonwealth. She earned her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Martha is a member of the National Association of Peer Group Counselors, Michigan Association of Children’s Alliances, and several other child care organizations. She is a Certified Senior Trainer for Life Space Crisis Intervention, Response Ability Pathways and Building Safe and Reclaiming Environments and has a SPADA (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment) Certification. Previously Martha was a Residential Director at Starr Commonwealth where she had daily contact with 200 students and the staff who worked with them.

Martha presents the following course:

Positive Peer Culture

What’s a professional to say to a youth in crisis? Before saying anything, one must take time to listen and to understand what is going on in the psychological world of that youth. Only through this understanding can the professional determine the most advantageous and appropriate approach to produce a healing intervention. This small group session will help participants gain a clear understanding of a youth’s perspective as it relates to crisis. The session will also shed a light on how our own (limited) perspectives can impede the healing process if not carefully assessed. Participants will be introduced to the skill of “draining off” youth in crisis, and moving them toward productive communication and healing.