Hilary Jacobs Hendel | The Change Triangle

Emotions Education for Teens and Caregivers

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A 2-Hour Workshop Based on the Change Triangle® Tool and the Science of Emotions

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Emotional health is foundational to lifelong well-being—and yet few of us are taught how emotions work or how to work with them. This 2-hour experiential workshop offers a gentle, transformative introduction to emotions education for teens and their caregivers. Rooted in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and grounded in affective neuroscience, trauma theory, attachment theory, and emotion theory, this curriculum empowers participants with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

 

Why Emotions Education?

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Today’s youth and adults alike face unprecedented levels of emotional stress, anxiety, and disconnection. By teaching how emotions function in the mind and body—and how to use the Change Triangle® to process and navigate them—we can prevent and reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm. This class helps participants build a lifelong foundation of calm, clarity, courage, and compassion—the hallmarks of the authentic self.

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What Participants Learn

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• The science of core emotions and defenses

• How to recognize, name, and safely experience emotions

• How to shift from anxiety and disconnection to grounded self-awareness

• A shared emotional language to reduce shame, increase empathy, and strengthen relationships

 

How It Works

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This engaging 2-hour workshop blends age-appropriate left-brain education with age-appropriate right-brain experiential practices, including reflective exercises and group sharing. Participants leave with practical tools, greater emotional fluency, and a sense of connection that reduces isolation and fosters resilience.

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Who Is the Curriculum For?

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This turnkey curriculum can be facilitated by professionals in a wide range of settings:

• School social workers, therapists, counselors, coaches, and clergy

• Teachers, school administrators, and youth leaders

• Healthcare professionals (pediatricians, nurses, psychiatrists)

• Corporate and community wellness leaders

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Whether used in high schools, clinics, faith communities, corporate settings, or family groups, this curriculum meets the urgent need for preventive emotions education in today’s world.

 

Implementation & Materials

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Our Train-the-Trainer model ensures you can confidently deliver this class. Included in your purchase:

• A detailed Training Manual (PDF) for facilitators

• Pre-Teen, Teen, and Caregiver Curricula (lesson plans, experiential scripts, teaching notes)

• Three class folders containing the curriculum, slides, and pre-recorded instructional videos by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW and Heather Sanford, LCSW

• Ready-to-use PowerPoint slide decks and participant handouts for pre-teen, teen, and caregiver groups.

• Suggested follow-up meeting prompts where Teens and Caregivers get together to share about the emotions education experience. (An optional post-workshop group)

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This curriculum is a powerful, research-informed alternative—or complement—to programs like DBT or mindfulness training. While not therapy, it is deeply therapeutic. Participants consistently report a decrease in stress, anxiety, and emotional confusion.