New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training Teach young people practical skills for managing emotions, behavior, relationships, and conflict.
A 3-hour, self-paced online instructor training that equips educators, counselors, youth leaders, and other adults to teach the New Ways for Life™ curriculum to teens ages 12–17.
Developed by High Conflict Institute, this structured, skills-based program teaches the 4 Big Skills™: Managed Emotions, Flexible Thinking, Moderate Behaviors, and Checking Yourself. Using the New Ways for Life Youth Journal and guided activities, instructors help young people practice skills they can apply to everyday challenges, including peer conflict, bullying, family stress, and difficult social situations.
Your instructors
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. & Susie Rayner
Co-founder, HCI · New Ways Curriculum Manager
Young people need more than advice about behavior. They need skills they can practice.
Many young people struggle to manage strong emotions, respond thoughtfully to challenging situations, consider different perspectives, and take responsibility for their choices. Simply telling them to calm down, stop arguing, or make better decisions doesn't necessarily teach them how.
New Ways for Life™ takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on what's wrong with a young person's behavior, it teaches the 4 Big Skills™ through structured lessons, practical exercises, and real-life situations.
The Instructor Training prepares adults to deliver this curriculum, helping teens build skills they can use at school, at home, in relationships, and throughout life.
Outcomes you'll bring back from New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training.
By completing New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training, you’ll be prepared to:
- Teach the 4 Big Skills™: Managed Emotions, Flexible Thinking, Moderate Behaviors, and Checking Yourself.
- Guide teens through structured lessons and activities using the New Ways for Life Youth Journal.
- Help young people practice managing emotional reactions and responding to challenging situations.
- Teach flexible thinking, problem-solving, and considering choices before acting.
- Encourage moderate behavior, self-management, and personal responsibility without blame or shame.
- Help teens apply the skills to peer conflict, bullying, family stress, and everyday social challenges.
- Use the curriculum’s instructional materials, games, and activities in individual or group settings.
- Integrate skill-building into classrooms, counseling, youth programs, mentoring, or family settings.
Who New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training is built for.
Teachers & Educators
Middle and high school educators who want a structured curriculum for teaching emotional regulation, flexible thinking, responsible behavior, and conflict-management skills.
School Counselors
Professionals supporting students with peer relationships, behavioral challenges, bullying, and social-emotional development.
Youth Leaders
Leaders of after-school programs, community organizations, scouting groups, faith-based programs, and other youth-serving organizations.
Therapists & Counselors
Mental health professionals who want practical, structured skills-based materials to use with adolescent clients.
Coaches & Mentors
Adults who support young people’s personal development, decision-making, behavior, and relationships.
Parents & Caregivers
Parents and other caregivers who want to teach and reinforce the 4 Big Skills™ with young people at home.
Curriculum & teaching materials
Youth Journal A hands-on workbook that teens use to practice and apply the skills. View the book 
Instructor’s Guide Step-by-step guidance and activities for delivering the curriculum. View the book New Ways for Life™ is more than an instructor training. It’s a structured, skills-based curriculum supported by practical materials that help adults teach young people the 4 Big Skills™.
The Instructor’s Guide provides guidance for delivering lessons and activities, while the Youth Journal gives teens opportunities to practice and apply the skills to real-life situations.
The Instructor’s Guide and Youth Journal are purchased separately from the online training. Schools and organizations can contact newways@highconflictinstitute.com for information about classroom quantities and implementation options.
How New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training works.
Complete the 3-hour online training at your own pace and learn how to deliver the New Ways for Life™ curriculum to teens ages 12–17.
Your training includes:
- 3-hour self-paced instructor training — Learn the method, curriculum structure, and techniques for teaching the 4 Big Skills™.
- PowerPoint presentations — Ready-to-use instructional slides for teaching the curriculum.
- Games, activities, and quizzes — Practical resources for engaging young people and reinforcing skills.
- Certificate of Completion — Documentation of your completed instructor training.
- HCI Provider Directory listing (optional) — Public listing as a New Ways for Life™ Instructor, subject to HCI’s listing requirements.
- Email support — Assistance from HCI with curriculum and implementation questions.
Required curriculum materials: New Ways for Life Instructor’s Guide and Youth Journal are purchased separately.
The core skills you’ll learn to teach.
Managed Emotions
Help young people recognize and manage strong emotions so they can respond more thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Flexible Thinking
Teach teens to move beyond all-or-nothing thinking, consider different perspectives, and identify options.
Moderate Behaviors
Help young people choose appropriate, constructive responses instead of extreme behaviors that can escalate conflict.
Checking Yourself
Teach teens to focus on their own choices and behavior, accept responsibility for their actions, and make adjustments rather than blaming others.
Learning Through Practice
Use structured lessons, activities, and real-life examples to reinforce the skills and help young people apply them in everyday situations.
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. & Susie Rayner
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. is co-founder and Director of Innovation of the High Conflict Institute, pioneer of the High-Conflict Personality theory, and a licensed clinical social worker and attorney with over 40 years of experience. He is the author of more than 25 books and has trained mental health professionals, educators, and family law professionals in 35 states and 13 countries.
Susie Rayner is HCI's New Ways Manager and oversees the New Ways for Life curriculum. She develops and maintains the program materials and supports instructors as they bring the curriculum into schools, youth programs, and families worldwide.
New Ways for Life™ Instructor Training — frequently asked questions.
Who is this course for?
Do I need to be a licensed counselor or educator to take this training?
What is the format?
What is included?
What materials do I need to teach New Ways for Life™?
Does each student need their own New Ways for Life Youth Journal?
Do schools or organizations need additional licensing to teach New Ways for Life™?
Does this training provide continuing education credits?
What is the difference between New Ways for Life™ and other New Ways® programs?
Do you offer discounts?
Ready to enroll?
Enroll now, or talk to us about group training or implementation for your school or youth organization.
