We are all becoming more aware of our neurodivergent world and working from a neuro-affirming place, but maintaining good self-care while working with this population comes with different requirements.
Whether you are neurodivergent (ND) yourself, or neurotypical (NT), tuning in and showing up to an ND caseload needs a full emotional tank and an attuned mind. When surrounded by differing sensory profiles, passionate interests, hyperfixations, and stims, the need to have a higher energy reserve is even more important to stay present, be affirming and meet clients’ needs. For example, tangential conversations can be challenging to stay present with; preference for sameness can challenge our own need for flexibility; and, helping people make space for their identities can use a level of creative and compassionate energy we didn’t know we needed.
Everyone is talking about neurodivergence but how do we meet this growing need in our community with our best selves?
Providing both an AuDHD and neurotypical perspective, Brianna Thomas and Dr Jade Goodman will take you through practical and creative solutions for filling your emotional tank when (not if) neurodivergence shows up in your therapy room. Some strategies will include:
- Reflecting on your own neurodivergence: recognising personal triggers, biases and boundaries
- Setting clear boundaries: being predictable, establishing clear communication expectations, scheduling downtime, and managing your caseload
- Identifying and meeting your own sensory needs in and outside of the therapy room
- Being your authentic self, building a neurodivergent support network, and engaging in continuous learning about self-care and neurodivergence.
This topic is necessary in Australia’s current psychological climate, and you will walk away with strategies to implement straight away.
About our presenters: Brianna Thomas and Dr Jade Goodman
Brianna Thomas is a neurodivergent psychologist at The Psych Hive in Canberra, and a PhD candidate through La Trobe University. She is a certified Synergetic Play Therapist, loves EMDR with children and adults, and is creative in her sessions, often bringing in art, movement, music and (of course) her clients’ areas of high interest into therapy. Being autistic and ADHD herself, she has needed to become hyper informed about self-care to be able to function and thrive in her work. She is a neurodivergent advocate, which includes advocating for therapists of neurodivergent clients. Brianna enjoys info-dumping about all things neurodivergence and is looking forward to chatting with you at this webinar.
Dr Jade Goodman is a psychologist and co-director of The Psych Hive. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Newcastle and is an accredited EMDR practitioner, working primarily with neurodivergent clients. Jade is passionate about making The Psych Hive as affirming and safe as possible for the neurodivergent and neurotypical clinicians that work there and is always learning about how to be a neurodiversity-ally for her clients and colleagues alike.
Webinar timing: 7:00 – 8:00 PM AEDT
Access to the recording of this webinar: A recording of this webinar will be available through the CPD Webinar Library, but for the best experience and the opportunity to ask your questions, join us live. Everyone who registers will be advised via email as soon as the recording is available. Members have unlimited access to the recording, and non-members will have access for 6 months.