Registration is now closed. A new group will be formed in February/March 2019.
Parenting a gifted or twice-exceptional child (a child who is both gifted and has a learning difference) can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. While it may feel isolating at times, you are not alone! Please join us, along with other parents of gifted children, in a guided weekly discussion group around the unique challenges that gifted children bring to families. Groups offer a forum for parents to speak freely about their child’s development, share parenting concerns, and seek support with others who have similar experiences. Simultaneously, we will also learn more about the social emotional needs of the gifted, the unique parenting challenges that arise, and the resources that are available.
Groups are led by Summit Center's Post Doctoral Fellows, Dr. Ellena Chen and Dr. Brennan Whitley. The groups follow the book A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by James Webb, et al. Topics include:
- Characteristics of Gifted Children
- Family Communication
- Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement
- Discipline
- Perfectionism & Stress
- Peer Relatioships
- Only Children & Siblings
- Depression
- Values & Traditions
- Successful Parenting
Register Now!
New price! Participation costs $299 for one person or $499 per couple for the 8 sessions. Pre-registration is required. Register early as space is limited. All participants need to purchase and bring the book A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by James Webb, et al., to each session.
Ellena Chen, Psy.D., is a Post Doctoral Fellow and certified SENG facilitator who specializes in collaborative strength-based work with children and their families. Over the past four years, Ellena has worked at Summit Center, providing psychological assessments, therapy, and consultation. Within her work, she strives to join with each child (and family) to help them find their voice and reach their full potential. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute and a BA in Sociology and Environmental Science from Denison University. Ellena’s professional interests include parenting, twice-exceptionality, and doing creative and expressive arts therapy with children through a narrative and systems-based lens.
Brennan Whitley, Psy. D. is a Post Doctoral Fellow and psychological assistant who provides assessment and therapy services to children, teens, and their families. Brennan values learning about each families’ unique strengths and challenges and working with them to find creative solutions to problems. She holds a doctorate in Psychology from the Wright Institute and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. Previously, Brennan worked at Alameda Family Services providing family therapy and at Encompass Elementary School working with teachers, staff, parents, and students. Brennan’s professional interests include assessment with twice-exceptional youth, counseling with children and teens who are experiencing anxiety, and working with members of the LGBT community.
Summit Center offers psychological and educational assessments and counseling for children, adolescents, and adults. We specialize in those who may be gifted, creative, or twice-exceptional (both gifted and with learning differences). Summit Center also offers an Advanced Parent Discussion Group. Learn more at https://conta.cc/2nVvLge