About this event
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Welcome to the Living & Working with Neurodivergence: Mental Health & Wellbeing 2024 conference!
We are thrilled to invite you to a day of insightful workshops and discussions, all from the comfort of your own space via Zoom. Our event offers a diverse array of workshops, allowing attendees the freedom to tailor their experience to their interests and needs.
We believe in accessibility for all, which is why we offer a unique ticketing system where attendees can choose their price, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Plus, with access to both the LIVE Zoom event AND recordings, you can engage with the content at your own pace.
Join us for a day of learning and connection.
RECORDING
This conference will be recorded and your ticket gives you access to all recordings in Onlinevents CPD Library. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again.
ZOOM
This conference will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group.
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All the colleagues at ONLINEVENTS and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a manner consistent with the BACP Ethical Framework, which can be accessed on the link below. When registering for this event you are agreeing to be present and interact in a manner that is consistent with this Framework.
WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS:
Making Space: Calm, Belonging and Solace – Francesca Bernardi
In the hustle and bustle that surrounds our daily lives it can be difficult to truly appreciate the value of solace, tranquillity and calm. Spaces for taking stock, belonging and feeling ─ in silence ─ are often absent. This gentle presentation will offer practical ideas for ‘making space’ in a mindful manner, finding ways to create and reimagine a dedicated place in your home or professional setting, for being, centredness and calm.
Drawing on the group’s energy, the workshop will include ideas, small changes and tips that can help achieve making space, to transform a small part of your environment and explore unexpected possibilities.
I will integrate creative and play methods, facilitating creative exercises to embody simple movements and mark-making to enjoy a restorative moment from the comfort of your desk.
Please bring with you: loose paper, card, or a sketchbook, pens, pencils (or any other mark making tools of your choice).
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The Obstacle is the Way – Liliya Wheatcraft
The AuDHD Psychiatrist shares her story of autistic burnout, surviving years of pressure following her whistleblowing in the NHS (including regulatory GMC investigations precipitated by spurious retaliatory referral); retiring on the grounds of ill health aged 39; constructing her own system of mental health recovery and rehabilitation over several years, as she bootstrapped herself out of the abyss of despair, suicidal depression and PTSD; confronting the stigma of autism, ADHD and mental illness among her colleagues; building and developing her own understanding of neurodiversity, from vehement (often offensive) criticism to understanding, support and promoting the concept; and, finally, building on it further with her AUTISTIC Framework and the concept of Neurodevelopmental Asynchrony.
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Interoception: Practical Application – Karin Brauner
Last year I did a presentation and provided a lot of theory on interoception. As we already have the grounding for that and it is in the library for watching on-demand, this year I thought I would grab some of the more practical applications that I briefly presented or mentioned and bring them to you in a way that is easy to follow and apply in your own lives or practices with your clients.
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Buckle Up!: The Roller-Coaster Ride of Therapists’ Autistic Self-Insights (While Also Supporting Clients with Theirs) – Vauna Beauvais
When a psychotherapist, trained to guide others through the complexities of the human experience, discovers that they themselves are autistic, it sets in motion a profound journey of self-discovery and reevaluation. This realisation, often coming later in life, can be both transformative and challenging for any adult.
As therapists, we are well aware of the profound impact that the journey of self-discovery can have on an autistic adult’s selfhood and on their life choices and relationships. The work of piecing everything together, processing huge realisations and feelings, finding and embracing authenticity, gaining supports and strategies, and navigating the challenges of the world is not an easy one, but it is a journey that holds the potential for tremendous growth, resilience, transformation and a better experience of life.
For a therapist, the process of discovering and embracing their autistic self is intimately intertwined with their role as a mental health professional as it requires the therapist to navigate not only the personal implications of their newfound identity but also the professional consequences and responsibilities that come with it. The journey of self-discovery forces them to see the systemic barriers that autistic individuals face within the mental health field and in society at large, and also eventually forces them to confront the gaps in their own professional training and the limitations of the therapeutic approaches not designed for autistic people. We have a unique responsibility to create safe and welcoming spaces for neurodivergent individuals, to listen to and amplify their voices, and to work towards dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate stigma and marginalisation and that weight can be heavy to carry while we are also doing our own emotionally impactful work that can sometimes send us reeling. We are but one person, after all.
For relatively newly identifying autistic therapists, the path forward involves self-reflection, discoveries, realisations, realignments, fights for self-advocacy, and learning, learning, learning. While we want to speak out and have the courage to challenge the status quo, to push for more inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming practices within the mental health field, and to serve as a role model and advocate for the autistic community, we are also a person that can be overwhelmed, hurt, enraged, traumatised and very very tired. We can be fired up, hyper-focused, or floored, all within the same week. We want to right the wrongs and give every autistic client the responsiveness and validation that they deserve. And we may hear client stories that may ignite personal insights or trigger trauma responses and we worry about how strong we are, muse over at what point secondary trauma may become unethical, marvel at our therapeutic ability, and yet sometimes even doubt we are good enough. But we can see in our client’s faces that we are very much needed. And, at the same time, the rent still needs paying, the neighbour still expects a smile, the dog still needs to go to the vet, and you still have to remain a reasonable human being to loved ones when you might be crushed or confused inside.
In this workshop there will be a presentation about the process of late identification in autistic adults. This will be recorded for the Online Events library. And then the next part invites participants into a safe space together that isn’t recorded. There we will share experiences and explore the complex interplay of personal identity, professional practice, and societal attitudes that shape the journey of an autistic person, and more specifically shape the journey of an autistic therapist who is travelling that while also keeping it all togther in life and work. Through a combination of personal narratives, case studies, and group discussions, we will delve into the emotional impact of late diagnosis, the challenges of navigating professional relationships and responsibilities, and the importance of self-advocacy and community support. By engaging in this exploration, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of autistic therapists and to feel connected, supported, empowered, and celebrated.
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The Homestead Model™: Supporting High Masking Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs, Creatives and Corporates Who Are On The Quest For Deepening Their Understanding Of Their Authentic-Self – Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar
Yasmin will take you on a whistle stop journey of The Homestead Model™ going through its 10 core modules. This workshop will introduce my model of neurodivergent wellbeing and how it can be used to support clients and corporate organisations.
The Homestead Model™ is a holistic, polyvagal-informed, one-to-one 12-session program designed for high-masking neurodivergent creatives, entrepreneurs, and corporate organisations.
Created and delivered by neurodivergent relational trauma therapist Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, it enhances self-understanding through psychoeducation and the mind-body connection.
The goal of The Homestead Model™ is to help neurodivergent individuals develop a better understanding of their authentic selves, paving the way for self-empowerment and profound personal growth.
This approach combines talking therapy, sharing neuroscience theories, self-monitoring, sound therapy, movement, and technology to help the nervous system feel balanced and comfortable.
It’s about guiding the nervous system to a place where it feels safe and content, enabling individuals to thrive and feel good again.
Workshop Agenda
1. Introduction to Neurodivergent Wellbeing
Definition and importance.
Goals of the workshop.
2. Overview of The Homestead Model™
Holistic, polyvagal-informed approach.
Tailored for high-masking neurodivergent individuals.
Safe and Sound Protocol
3. Journey Through The Homestead Model™
A brief overview of the 10 core modules.
4. Q&A Session
Interactive discussion and questions.
5. Closing Remarks
Summary of key points.
Next steps and further resources.
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Why Neuro-Affirming Support Improves Outcomes – Louise Lucas
In this presentation we will look at what neuro-affirming practices are and how they can support clients to move away from blame and shame towards kindness and compassion and therefore improve overall wellbeing.
This will include consideration for the systems and structures we use to administrate our practice as well as what happens in the therapy room.
Finally we will consider how therapists can be affirming of their own neurodivergence and how this modelling of self-compassion and kindness can support clients to do the same.
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Towards a Dyslexia-Friendly Scotland: Baseline Research – Cathy Magee and Jeremy Law
Facilitated by Dr Jeremy Law and Cathy Magee OBE, workshop delegates will have the opportunity to hear ground-breaking findings from Scotland’s biggest-ever survey of dyslexic adults. This workshop will include a brief outline about Dyslexia Scotland and the support we offer.
In 2023, Dyslexia Scotland launched Scotland’s biggest-ever survey of dyslexic adults over 16 years old, in partnership with the University of Glasgow. Over 1400 people responded to this survey, wanting to share their stories and experiences. As our aspiration is for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland, we need a clear picture of the current situation. The survey sought to capture a baseline snapshot of life in Scotland for adults with dyslexia. Dr Jeremy Law will summarise and take questions on the findings of the research report to be published in Dyslexia Awareness Week (30 September – 5 October).
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Reconnecting with your Breath as your Main Source of Self Care – Sarah Weller
This is mainly an interactive workshop, enabling you to tune into the patterns of your breath using a Breath Awareness meditation with a little bit of breathwork coaching using a poly vagal informed approach. We will then follow on with the introduction of some foundational breathwork techniques that will create balance and flow in the nervous system that have no medical contraindications, which will leave you feeling alert, focused, but at ease. You will gain experience of 3 different breathwork techniques, that you will be able to use everyday as part of your self stewardship, and are particularly useful to help with sensory integration.You are invited to begin the workshop with some very simple physical stretches, within your own zone of comfort, as a warm up, that you can take seated or standing. Cameras can be on or off, while you are taking part in this nurturing and restorative session.
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Managing Risk for Neurodivergent Clients – Linsey Bailey-Rowles
This workshop is designed to enhance awareness in mental health professionals who with and / or conduct risk assessments when working with neurodivergent clients. The workshop aims to foster a deeper understanding around the impact of utilising neuro-normative assessment tools by exploring the mainstream practices for risk assessment in counselling. By attending, participants will gain practical skills in effective communication, enhance their professional competencies, and contribute to more inclusive and effective mental health services.
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A Guide to the Diagnostic Process, for Individuals, Families and Clinicians – Emma Taylor
The pathway from first wondering about neurodivergence to getting a formal diagnosis can be complicated and confusing, whether you’re seeking an assessment for yourself or a family member, or you’re a clinician considering whether to suggest this for a client. This presentation will walk you through some of the considerations about whether or not to pursue formal diagnosis; your options if you do decide to go ahead; what to expect and how to prepare; and what might come after diagnosis, or what happens if no diagnosis is given. There will be space for discussion of any questions you might have.
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PMDD & ADHD – How to Find your Sanity – Hayley Barker-Smith
ADHD is a significant risk factor for the development of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition that disproportionately impacts up to 46% of women with ADHD.PMDD is a cyclical hormone sensitivity in the brain that can cause severe mood and functioning issues, irrational and suicidal thoughts, increased meltdowns and shutdowns, a decrease in emotional regulation, extreme sensitivity to rejection, and intrusive thoughts which significantly disrupt daily life and lead to strained relationships.
I struggled with PMDD, from my teens until I discovered Menstrual Cycle Awareness, which helped me to heal the emotional turbulence, hormonal havoc, and pre-menstrual mania, of living with PMDD. Breathwork was also key in helping me to release the shameful rage within me, and work through the trauma of living as a woman with PMDD.
I received my ADHD diagnosis at 56. While I experienced an incredible lightbulb moment and was then able to make links to trauma and PMDD, there was also a period of grief for the years of not having known earlier.
In this session we’ll explore; – PMDD and ADHD, and what we – as counsellors, therapists or coaches – need to know about their impact, and how to support our clients through the rollercoaster of emotions that they can bring. – The two inner work approaches; Breathwork and Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) that helped Hayley (and her clients) process overwhelming emotions, attune and align with their body and find their way home.
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Working with Neurodivergent Students – Tristan Brooks
The aim of this session is to pass on knowledge from my own lived experience as a neurodivergent counsellor working in a university counselling service for nearly 3 years. During this time, I have adapted and developed my practice based on the needs of neurodivergent students that I see. Many of these clients are at the start of their understanding having just been diagnosed or are just starting to seek a diagnosis. This can be an overwhelming time, especially within a backdrop of living away from established support networks, often in a new city. This session will include: The three A’s: Internalised Ableism, Individual Ableism, & Systemic AbleismThe importance of self-disclosureWorking with task and choice paralysisCamouflaging in a university setting
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On Limerence, Love, Idealisation, Attachment and the Erotic: Working with Intense Relational Experiences for Autistic Clients – Erin Stevens
As an autistic therapist and client, Erin has been in a position to experience the dynamics of intense relational feelings in therapy from both chairs. The feelings between therapist and client are a widely-valued lens for understanding therapeutic process, however little attention is given to the nuances of autistic experiencing; how established theoretical suppositions connected to transference/countertransference, attachment and love in therapy might miss something of the autistic experience, and limit us in our understanding of these processes in our work with autistic clients. Erin will explore relational dynamics in therapy through and autistic lens, considering where established theory is useful, and where it might be limited; demystifying the process; offering alternative ways to think about and work with intense feelings in therapy; and also, highlighting some common difficulties which can arise in this work, exploring how we as therapists respond to, and feel about, being intensely loved, desired, or idealised.
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Reclaiming Selfhood with the Autism Dialogue Approach – Jonny Drury
Bringing the topic of Autism into dialogue circles over the past seven years, I’ve seen it shift from a fixed label or category into a question and an opportunity – for exploring what it means to be a self, in a world that’s otherwise quick to categorise what selfhood is.
The Autism Dialogue Approach is not merely about understanding autism, it is about exploring the nature of oneself in a radical, dynamic and generative way. Using an empirically-derived approach, it challenges the view that an individual person can be deficient or damaged without involving the complexity of fragmented systems and thought.
During structured conversation in small groups lasting a number of hours, participants are invited to discover the richness of the autistic experience as a pathway to greater self-awareness and mutual understanding, bringing relief, hope and awakening to those impacted.
30 minute talk, 15 mins Q & A
More information: www.dialogica.uk/autism-dialogue-approach
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Navigating Pathological Demand Avoidance Key Skills for Practitioners and Families – Kate Salinsky & Tanya Spiers
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum characterized by an intense avoidance of everyday demands and expectations. This workshop aims to demystify PDA, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by young people and adults with this profile, and providing practical strategies for support.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how PDA manifests, why demands trigger anxiety and avoidance, and how to create low-demand environments that encourage cooperation and growth. We’ll explore the underlying neurological and psychological components of PDA, considering the role of anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and social dynamics.
Specifically we will cover:
- An Introduction to PDA: Understanding the profile, its characteristics, and how it differs from other autism profiles.
- Identifying Triggers and Patterns: Recognizing common demand triggers and how they lead to avoidant behaviours
- Practical Tools and Techniques: Effective approaches for reducing demand, increasing flexibility, and fostering trust in therapeutic, educational, work, and home environments.
- Q&A and Discussion: An open dialogue to address specific concerns and share experiences
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a richer comprehension of PDA, and some skills needed to work empathetically and effectively with individuals presenting this unique profile.
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Tracy Clark
As a private practitioner of many years, I have had the privilege of working with and supporting clients from the neurodivergent community. Mainly people who are autistic and dyslexic. My clients include individuals, couples and young people. I am Person-centred trained however I have used various modalities and creative ways within my clinical practice to meet the client’s needs.
I have been assessed over the years for an intellectual learning disability, called Dyslexia. My personal experience of being dyslexic has been very mixed over the years, however I find that as a visual learner I can incorporate my experience of dyslexia into my clinical practice.
Website | www.tracyaclarkcounselling.co.uk
Facebook | Tracy A Clark Counselling
LinkedIn | Tracy Clark PgDip
John Wilson
I have been facilitating in Counselling & Psychotherapy programmes in the UK for more than 10 years.
I am currently the director at Temenos Education and have a private practice where I offer online Psychotherapy and Supervision using video and chat communication platforms along with virtual environments. I am also the co-founder of onlinevents which has grown to be the world’s largest library of online video and audio content with instant certification and a learning log.
I am also a past chair of the Association for Counselling & Therapy Online (ACTO) and have served for 6 years on the board of the World Association for Person Centered & Experiential Psychotherapy & Counselling. My passion to bring online learning into the field of Counselling & Psychotherapy has also led to the development of online experiential learning within the Temenos programme, facilitating the exposure of Temenos students to external tutors who are located in different parts of the world. Along with the inclusion of experiential learning of online Counselling & Psychotherapy for Temenos students so that they qualify with knowledge and practice in online communication and relationship.
You can read an article I co-authored about online group facilitation here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UB2QJDKNCGUMUNUURU8W/full?target=10.1080/14779757.2019.1650807
