This workshop features three very proud neurodistinct therapists who believe in the power/strength of this diversity. We will be challenging the myths around neurodiversity, and drawing on Palombo’s (2017) theory of ‘complementary functions’ and we are here to disrupt the notion of a ‘normal brain’.
As therapists we advocate for shifting towards an approach that seeks to fully account and understand the diversity of our neurology rather than maintain a potential Rescuer-Victim oriented dysfunctional symbiosis.
Neurodiversity is an area that is rarely covered within counselling and psychotherapy training and yet roughly 20% of the population are thought to be neurodivergent (a figure that includes sensory processing differences). We will challenge the common assumption that the neurodivergent person in the therapy room is always the client.
The objective of the panel is also to empower and shift perspective away from the notion of ‘normalcy’. It seeks to develop a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this area.
Our neurodivergence can be an asset in the therapy room and can enhance the therapeutic working alliance.
We operate in a neuro-inclusive and affirming way, and we are part of a long history of neurodivergent therapists; some of us like to think more ‘Martian’ than others…
Course Content
Presenter
Cheryl Y. Leong is a California licensed psychotherapist and a Certified Transactional Analysis Practitioner with USATAA. Her two decade experience as a therapist & clinical supervisor has ranged from working with Asian American mental health, immigration challenges, LGBTQIA+ affirming work and Adult ADHD empowerment. Her therapeutic approach draws from systemic, relational, classical transactional analysis and jungian-based expressive arts therapy. This work has extended to advocacy as well as organizational diversity, equity and inclusion consultation internationally.
Kate is an autistic psychotherapist, supervisor, educator, and Chief Communication Officer of NeuroCastic. She first trained in person centred counselling and later transactional analysis and for the last 20 years Kate has supported people through challenging times both in private practice and for major UK charities. She offers training on subjects related to mental health and neurodivergence and speaks internationally on these subjects.
In private practice she works with neurodivergent adults as well as children and young people who have barriers to accessing education, engaging them through play and shared interests. Kate lives in Manchester, UK. She is a prolific illustrator and has had her work published internationally.
Romy Graichen is a multiply neurodivergent supervisor, trainer and psychotherapist. Besides working in private practice, she is a trainer in Specialist Diploma in Neurodiversity Informed Psychotherapy, Safeguarding Lead and Clinical Supervisor in an international counselling organisation. She offers Neurodiversity Affirming Supervision and Psychotherapy. Previous work included focus on EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and trauma.
This workshop in a collaboration between the Link Centre and Onlinevents
At the Link Centre we pride ourselves in delivering high quality options tailored to needs of clients and delivered in a relaxed, comfortable yet stimulating environment in which people feel safe to learn and develop. We work with individuals, groups, organisations, and educational establishments using the depth of our psychological knowledge, to facilitate growth and development.
Our training centre is located in the heart of the countryside, in Plumpton, East Sussex. It provides a variety of training rooms, extensive parking, and disabled access, to help meet the needs of individuals attending our courses. As well as this the centre has extensive grounds that can be enjoyed during lunch and tea breaks.
We also offer in-house coaching, training and consultancy that is tailored to the needs of our customers.
Our trainers and consultants are all fully qualified, experienced, skilled and accredited to both national and international level.
For more information about The Link Centre Visit thelinkcentre.co.uk
