Utilizing Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy to Address Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Adolescents
Trainer
Dr. Kimberly Ernest, PH.D., LPC (Read Bio)
Description
Problematic sexual behavior in adolescents is complex, concerning, and often misunderstood. This course introduces Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) as a relational, trauma-informed framework for helping families move beyond shame, blame, and crisis response toward safety, accountability, and meaningful change. Rather than viewing the adolescent as “the problem,” ESFT helps therapists understand PSB within the broader context of family interaction patterns, caregiver-child attachment, emotional regulation, cultural influences, and ecological stressors.
Participants will explore how ESFT can be applied in both family-based and outpatient settings to strengthen caregiver leadership, disrupt negative interaction cycles, and build safer family systems. The course will highlight the four ESFT pillars, Emotion Regulation, Caregiver–Child Relationship, Executive Functioning, and Co-Caregiver Alliance, while addressing practical interventions such as enactments, boundary setting, safety planning, caregiver accountability, and collaboration with schools, courts, and child protective systems. Through a systemic and attachment-based lens, therapists will learn how to support families in reducing risk, repairing relational ruptures, and creating healthier patterns that promote long-term stability and resilience.
Credits Available
1.50 APA CE Credits For Psychologists, Social Workers or Professional Counselors
(See Additional Credit Details)
Cancellations: PCS reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any training at any time (in which case you will have the option to receive a full refund or attend on the rescheduled date).
Refunds: Participants may cancel their registration(s) at any time prior to the training date. A 10% cancellation fee will be deducted from the original registration fee, and the remainder will be refunded. No refund will be provided if the cancellation occurs within two weeks of the training date.
- PCS is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PCS maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- People who attend PCS trainings in their entirety may receive CE credits for psychologists/LPC/ LSW/LCSW/ LMFT or general training credits, including CAC/DDAP. For other licenses, please consult with your respective licensing board.
- Following each training, participants who have attended the training in its entirety will receive a PCS Training Feedback form via email.
- After receipt of the completed form, PCS will issue a certificate via email indicating the CE credits that have been obtained.
Kimberly Ernest lives in Hummelstown, PA, with her husband and two young boys. Kimberly holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in experimental psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas. Kimberly is currently a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed professional counselor. She presently serves as the Executive Vice President & Vice President of Criminal Justice and Recovery Programs for Pennsylvania Counseling Services.