KIDS' SKILLS specialist training
covering the I Can Do It! and I'm Proud of You! methods
What is the Kids' Skills method about?
Kids’ Skills is a method for working with children and adolescents developed by Finnish child psychiatrist Ben Furman.
Dr. Ben Furman is a Finnish psychiatrist and psychotherapist who, for years, has been providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and their families using various therapeutic approaches (including systemic and solution-focused therapy). While working in psychiatric wards, he sought an effective method to help his patients overcome their crises.
When working with the Kids’ Skills method, we base change on strengths and potential, looking for exceptions that confirm the presence of power and resilience in the child's life.
The effectiveness of the method is based on its simplicity and non-invasive nature.
Its goal is to help the child learn skills that allow them to overcome their problems.
How was the Kids' Skills method created?
Dr. Ben Furman is a Finnish psychiatrist and psychotherapist who, for years, has been providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and their families using various therapeutic approaches (including systemic and solution-focused therapy). While working in psychiatric wards, he sought an effective method to help his patients overcome their crises.
He noticed that children are reluctant to talk about their problems, but share their skills relatively easily. This led to the creation of a philosophy of working with children based not on solving problems, but on the child learning new skills that enable them to overcome those problems.
Over time, this philosophy evolved into the KIDS’ SKILLS method, which, thanks to its simplicity and clarity, has won the hearts of psychologists, therapists, educators, teachers, parents, and, most importantly, CHILDREN all over the world. Dr. Ben Furman also uses this concept of working with children to support adults in group work with children and adolescents.
What will I learn during the training?
Training program
The training provides an introduction to the KIDS’ SKILLS “I Can Do It!” and “I’m Proud of You!” methods. The approach is based on 15 practical steps that we explore during the training (both in theory and practice).
During the training, participants will:
- They will learn the fundamental methods of working within the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach.
- They will learn the 15 steps of the method and practice them during the training. These steps form a complete process.
- Develop skills to build rapport with the child's family to support the child
- Develop skills to assess the potential of the family and the child
- Develop complimenting skills (5 basic methods of complimenting)
- Develop skills to build agency and instill in the child the belief that they are capable of making the effort to change and overcome their problems
- Gain insight into working with children
Effectiveness of the method
The training provides an introduction to the KIDS’ SKILLS “I Can Do It!” and “I’m Proud of You!” methods. The approach is based on 15 practical steps, which we explore during the training (both in theory and practice).
The method is used in individual work with children from the age of 3 to help them overcome emotional and behavioral problems.
Learn more about the method used for working with groups
Basic information
Training duration: 30 training hours
Training location: The training will be held in person at the Dr. Ben Furman Motivational and Preventive Center,
ul. Huberta 2, Katowice (Brynów)
Training hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The training will proceed once a group of at least 12 participants is reached. If the required number of participants is not met by the originally scheduled date, a new date will be proposed.
Target audience: Specialists, teachers, educators, coaches, therapists, pedagogues, psychologists, parents, and foster parents
The training fee includes: 30 hours of training, coffee breaks, training materials, and a practitioner certificate
Training fee: 1200 PLN
All proceeds from the training go toward the statutory activities of the ULICA Foundation for Children
Upcoming dates:
24-26.08.2026 (Sold out)
14-16.09.2026 (Waitlist open)
28-30.09.2026 (Sold out)
Oct 26–28, 2026 (Waitlist registration)
Nov 16–18, 2026
Dec 07–09, 2026
Training outcomes
Training outcomes:
acquisition of skills enabling you to work using the method
from day 1 after the training.
Certificate
Qualifications earned during the training:
KIDS’ SKILLS Practitioner Certificate
Subsidy
Thanks to our strategic partner, Neo Energy Group, training participants can apply for a subsidy of 210 PLN.
Registration for KIDS' SKILLS 2026 training
Facilitator
Trainer
Method Ambassador
Adrian Kowalski
Supervisor of the Polish Psychological Association (no. S110), certified Kids' Skills method Ambassador in Poland, Skillful Group method coach, supervisor for Kids’ Skills and Skillful Group practitioners, certified level II trainer of the Polish Psychological Association (no. 473), pioneer of streetwork with marginalized children, youth, and their families in Silesia, specialist in addiction prevention, therapist (in certification process) of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, trainer conducting interpersonal communication and social skills training, graduate of the Teenager Work Studies program. Member of the international ASHOKA organization – innovators for the public good.
Trainer
Method Ambassador
Natalia Soja
Certified Kids' Skills Ambassador in Poland, Skillful Group method coach, therapist in certification (graduate of Level I and II Solution-Focused Brief Therapy), supervisor for practitioners of Kids' Skills and Skillful Group methods, educator, specialist in resocialization and social prevention (University of Silesia), graduate of postgraduate studies in negotiations and mediation, as well as courses and training: Interdisciplinary study on preventing domestic violence, Streetworking – an innovative perspective on working with people at risk of social exclusion, Motivational trainer for children and youth, Mindfulness training, Emotion regulation training, Emotional education in working with young children, Study of Work with Teenagers.
Trainer
Method Ambassador
Agata Gemser-Wrębiak
Psychologist (AH), certified Solution-Focused Brief Therapist (No. 122), Polish philologist (Jagiellonian University), certified Kids' Skills Ambassador in Poland, Skillful Group method coach, supervisor for practitioners of Kids' Skills and Skillful Group methods, trainer with many years of experience (Wszechnica UJ), certified ICF ACC coach, graduate of postgraduate studies in social behavior psychology (University of Silesia) and project management (WSE in Krakow), as well as numerous professional development courses, including the Study of Work with Teenagers.
Trainer
Method Ambassador
Agnieszka Czajak
Certified Kids' Skills Ambassador in Poland, therapist in certification (completed Level I and II Solution-Focused Brief Therapy training), graduate of Master's studies in social-care pedagogy (University of Silesia) and numerous training courses: Addiction Prevention Study, "Gniazdo" Silesian School of Trainers, Solution-Focused Therapy in working with multi-problem families, Social Skills Training Instructor, Imagination in Solutions - application of metaphorical cards in SFBT, Study of Work with Teenagers in a Solution-Focused Approach, Helping families using the SFBT approach - working on parental and children's skills, graduate of a series of specialist training courses in the field of SFBT - covering aspects of death and depression, use of language - therapist's language, use of language - client's language, OCD and anxiety aspects, and "trauma"; member of the Polish Association of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Therapists, participating in conferences to deepen awareness, knowledge, and competence in individual and group work.
Trainer
Method Ambassador
Danuta Pajor
Psychologist, sociologist, psychotherapist (in certification), therapist in training for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, certified Kids' Skills Ambassador in Poland, Skillful Group method coach, supervisor for practitioners of Kids' Skills and Skillful Group methods, one of the first certified social work supervisors in Poland (No. 14/2017), family work specialist, family trainer (2008), coach (ICF Coach ACC Certificate 2015), lecturer, trainer, graduate of the Study of Work with Teenagers program.
Neo Energy Group.
As a leading developer and operator of renewable energy sources (RES), Neo Energy Group is deeply committed to sustainable development. The company also participates in social initiatives that not only promote the well-being of children and youth but also build their psychological resilience—a protective shield that is a key element of their health and prosperity. By supporting the ULICA Foundation and its Center, NEG actively contributes to the development of ecopsychology and the ideas of Dr. Ben Furman. It also demonstrates that responsible business and sustainable development are not just about investing in technology, but also in people—especially the younger generation. The innovation embedded in Neo Energy Group's DNA is also visible in the Foundation's activities and the concept it promotes, which uses modern tools to rebuild and strengthen the psychological resilience of children. As a result, children's problems are beginning to be viewed in a new way. They are becoming processes of learning new skills that help overcome difficulties and initiate the desired change. The accessibility of these initiatives to local communities is further proof that Neo Energy Group understands and takes very seriously its social role, which has the power to influence positive change. By supporting the ULICA Foundation, the company joins forces with those working for a better tomorrow, where every child—regardless of where they live—has the chance for healthy development in harmony with the world around them.
If you have any questions, please contact
Magdalena Tylska
Customer Service Specialist