Grounded in mental health and speech-language pathology, Story Emotion Social Therapy (SEST) is a research-informed, story grammar and cognitive-behavioral model that helps children explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and social experiences. SEST guides children to share their own WholeStories—giving voice to how they see and experience the social world. Instead of interpreting a child’s behavior, SEST encourages children to share their perspectives, allowing for more authentic social connections and understanding. Starting with the child’s perspective, SEST fosters self-expression and a deeper understanding of social relationships.

SLPs will learn to meet children where they are—emotionally and in their understanding of the social world, including their story grammar and language abilities—so children can authentically reflect on social situations, consider other perspectives, and explore flexible social problem-solving strategies. This training is geared for neurotypically developing children, from age 7, with reduced interpersonal skills or understanding of how the social world works.

Registration includes a copy of SEST Fundamentals for ongoing reference and support.

FEE: $299
(includes one free copy of SEST Fundamentals [$69.95 value], with free shipping)

Early Bird Fee if received by August 4th, 2025: $249
(includes one free copy of SEST Fundamentals [$69.95 value], with free shipping)

SEST Tools for Therapists Supporting Clients who Find the Social World Overwhelming & WholeStory Storytelling Map Tools to Build Interpersonal Understanding in Children

Learners’ Outcomes:
After completing this course, therapists will:

• create authentic, connection-driven interactions using SEST listening and language practices that engage children and encourage meaningful responses.
• differentiate between the social communication needs of neurotypical children and those with diagnosed social communication disorders to tailor SLP lessons using SEST storytelling.
• guide children through 3 structured SEST storytelling exercises that enhance children’s social awareness and metacognitive skills.

Training Agenda:

• SEST therapeutic foundations and how they support authentic connection (15 minutes)
• Learn practical strategies for tuning in to both the words and the emotions behind what children share & interactive group work (30 minutes)
• Explore how to communicate clearly and meaningfully using SEST’s “Core Messages” & interactive group work (15 minutes)
• Understanding social communication profiles (15 minutes)
• Applying strategies through the SEST Storytelling Map & interactive group work (30 minutes)
• Practice 3 structured storytelling exercises designed for your sessions to build social awareness and metacognitive skills (30 minutes)
• Interactive Group Work & Q and A (15 minutes)
• Supporting families through interdisciplinary collaboration (15 minutes)
• Interactive Group Work & Q and A (15 minutes)

Disclosure:
Rochel Lieberman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the owner of WholeStory Speech, where she uses her Story Emotion Social Therapy (SEST) approach to treat children and provide parent education. Gary Dick, PhD, LISW, collaborated on the mental health components of the SEST approach. Dr. Lieberman provides paid and volunteer training for SEST via her business, WholeStory Speech. Dr. Lieberman is the author of Pearla and Her Unpredictably Perfect Day and SEST Fundamentals WholeStory Therapist Guide and Curriculum. This presentation will include information on the “SEST Fundamentals” for teaching children social-emotional skills and communication. Other treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.

Disclaimer:
SEST Certification is available for those who want to be authorized and recognized as a SEST Certified Therapist. Taking this course or reading the textbook, SEST Fundamentals does not provide SEST Certification, and one cannot call themselves SEST-trained, SEST-certified, or a SEST therapist solely by doing so. Individuals seeking certification must also complete video and face-to-face training to receive a Certificate of Training Level 1, which entitles them to use SEST with neurotypical children only.