The Big Brain & Body Regulation Toolbox for Kids & Teens

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Jennifer Wilke-Deaton, MA, LPA Related seminars and products

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Jennifer Wilke-Deaton, MA, LPA, is a licensed behavioral health therapist working in a private practice setting in Richmond and Lexington, KY, and a nationally recognized school consultant. Jen has 25 years of experience working with crisis management, psychological testing, inpatient/outpatient treatment, groups, families, and the court system. A tireless and passionate advocate for children and families, she developed a parent training program recognized by the Governor’s Commission for the Treatment of Children & Families and Kentucky’s Child Protective Services. Jen helped create a regional children’s crisis stabilization unit, children’s advocacy center, and an intensive after-school program for behaviorally challenged youth. She has published the Creative Parenting Handbook, Parenting Better Children, CD Awareness in Focus: Modern Guided Imagery Techniques for Immediate Practice, CD Awareness in Focus by Kids for Kids, and The Mandela Workbook: Activities Across the Lifespan.

In addition to delivering her nationally recognized training programs for PESI and keynote presentations, Jen regularly speaks on mental health issues and child abuse for Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, KY Child Protective Services, and National Public Radio; as well as serving as the psychometrician for the Center for Academic and Tutoring Services (CATS) – University of Kentucky, and providing psychological evaluations and therapeutic support services for the Department of Disability Determinations and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Jennifer consults regularly for private/state foster care organizations, social services, schools, psychiatric hospitals, Head Start programs, in-home therapy programs, and case management services. Her specialties are in the areas of child abuse, PTSD, DBT, behavioral disorders, anxiety, autistic spectrum, and attachment. Jen shares time-tested, real approaches from the trenches, using humor, energy and passion for helping others.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jennifer Wilke-Deaton has employment relationships with the University of Kentucky and Hundley Psychological Services. She receives compensation as a guest speaker and royalties as a published author. Jennifer Wilke-Deaton receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jennifer Wilke-Deaton has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Additional Info

“After three decades in clinical practice, I’ve seen many resources come and go, but The Big Brain & Body Regulation Toolbox for Kids & Teens stands out for its clarity and cross-disciplinary utility. Jen Wilke-Deaton has created a guide that is simple to navigate and even simpler to read, without sacrificing clinical depth.

I particularly appreciate the strengths-based lens she applies to ADHD, autism, and mood disorders. It offers a compassionate, actionable perspective for educators while maintaining a firm footing in evidence-based practice. While this is a must-have desk reference for therapists and supervisees, its practical language makes it a powerful tool for teachers and community members. It is a perfect bridge between clinical diagnosis and classroom support.”

—Tony Miller, LPCC-S, OW/OP clinical director, Mustard Tree Counseling

“The Big Brain & Body Regulation Toolbox for Kids & Teens by Jen L. Wilke-Deaton offers a comprehensive and highly practical resource for clinicians working with children and adolescents. The book draws from a wide range of evidence-based approaches, but what stands out most is the way these models are brought together in a cohesive and accessible format. The interventions are clearly explained, with thoughtful attention to the ‘why’ behind each strategy, making it easier for clinicians to apply them with intention. The book also provides guidance on adapting interventions across school, clinical, and community settings, which adds to its practicality.

Clinicians working with youth experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, or broader behavioral challenges will find this book especially useful. It serves as a well-organized, integrative resource—bringing together multiple therapeutic approaches and tools in one place while maintaining a respectful, neurodiversity-affirming lens. This is a valuable addition for both new and experienced clinicians looking to strengthen their work in supporting regulation and overall well-being in children and teens.”

—Christina Sullivan, LCSW, owner and clinical director, Broward Therapy Group

“Once again, Jennifer has knocked it out of the park in creating interventions for some of children’s most difficult struggles. As a fellow clinician and longtime conference attendee, I have found her tools to be practical, effective, and fun for both clinician and client. This workbook goes a step further by extending into school systems and treatment facilities as a go-to guide from which all personnel can benefit. She very thoughtfully encompasses school tier systems and provides techniques for multiple modalities. For parents, she also includes mind-body strategies for improving sleep, limiting screen time, and refining nutrition. This is especially helpful as access to mental health resources can be limited for families. If you have a child experiencing difficulties with ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or depression and need more relevant approaches to today’s symptoms, this is your guide!”

—Jaime Taylor, LPC, children’s therapist, author, and school counselor