Presenter: Tara Connolly, M.A., RP
Date: Saturday, February 10th, 2024
Time: 9am - 4pm EST
CECs: 6 CECs
Location: Online via Zoom
This event will NOT be recorded.
Description:
This workshop is designed to help counselling practitioners explore the ways they can incorporate a neuroinclusive lens to the work of their practice. It will include 4 components, with participants 1) Learning some of the impacts the lived experience of neurodivergence can have on individuals and how that can relate to their mental health and wellness, 2) examining some of the ways those lived experiences map onto the current way participants are delivering therapeutic support in their counselling practice, 3) learning some of the therapeutic approaches and theoretical orientations that are supportive to a neuroinclusive practice, and 4) learning some strategies they can apply and some potential changes they can make to improve the accessibility of their counselling services to neurodivergent individuals
This workshop requires a basic understanding of the concept of neurodiversity.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain understanding of the vast diversity and intersecting identities within the lived experiences within neurodivergent community
- Identify and determine the level to which the therapeutic practices they use and the way in which they deliver counselling services aligns with neurodivergent experiences to promote best practices and accessible mental health support
- Discuss therapeutic process vs treatment, as it relates to an empowering approach for clients
- Identify some practices and therapeutic frameworks from the literature that are conducive to supporting neurodivergent clients
- Create an initial plan for implementing 3 practical strategies and/or changes in their practice that will be supportive of neurodivergent clients.
This workshop will include some theory and some experiential elements. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from some first-person experience. There will be some group work, as participants will be asked to consider the practical application of the strategies provided to their own practice and share with their fellow participants.
Biography:
Tara Connolly M.A., RP, is a Transitions Specialist with over 20 years experience working with and learning from neurodiverent clients, including autistic adults and youth. She has consulted on the use of inclusive practices to support accessibility in a variety of settings including school boards, post-secondary institutions, government agencies and healthcare settings, to build capacity in accessible practices. She was instrumental in designing an innovative service that supports the transitions of students on the spectrum into and throughout post-secondary environments. It empowers students to leverage the tools they need for success and builds the capacity of the post-secondary community to recognize and effectively incorporate the inherent strengths of neurodivergent thinkers.
In her counseling practice, Tara supports a full neurodiversity of thinkers to thrive on their own terms and co-create meaningful transitions into and throughout adulthood. She offers training to other clinicians, educators and healthcare providers looking to increase their understanding of neurodiversity and learn more about how to work most effectively with clients on the spectrum and other neurodivergent thinkers. Tara is currently the Assistant Director, Research and Development for the READ Initiative (Research, Education, Accessibility & Design) at Carleton University.
COST:
Students – 40$
NCR Chapter members – 85$
CCPA members (non NCR member) – 90$
Non-CCPA members – 100$
CONTACT: NCR Chapter Workshop Registrar, Amanda, for any questions or inquiries at ncr.ccpa.workshops@gmail.com
NCR Chapter Event - Building Capacity in Applying a Neurodiversity Lens to Counselling Practice
- Saturday Feb 10 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
