Beyond Diagnosis: Understanding Neurodiversity in the Context of Therapy- 1.5 CE
Abstract
Is “therapeutic resistance” a recurring theme in your work with neurodiverse clients? The key to unlocking progress may lie in understanding the uniqueness of a neurodiverse brain. Join us for Part 1 of the “Beyond Series” on neurodiversity. This empowering series aims to nurture and advocate for a more supportive and effective clinical sphere for neurodiverse clients.
In this 1.5-hour session, we challenge traditional paradigms and embrace a strengths-based perspective of neurodiversity. Mental health professionals (psychologists, counselors, therapists, etc.) will gain a clearer understanding of neurodivergent individuals within the context of therapy. Participants will learn from real-world case examples, discover valuable resources, and support ongoing professional development in a neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Intended Audience
Psychologists; Mental Health Therapists; Allied Health Professionals.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define neurodiversity and articulate core principles of working with neurodiverse clients.
- Identify common challenges and opportunities presented when working with neurodivergent clients.
- Analyze common scenarios where process resistance may arise in therapy for clients with ADHD, such as difficulty with traditional talk therapy formats, emotional dysregulation, and forgetfulness.
- Identify scenarios that may masquerade as outcome resistance and understand how executive function challenges can impact a client’s ability to implement therapeutic recommendations and achieve desired outcomes.
Presenter
Larissa Predy
Larissa Predy has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disorders in various settings. She has specialized in all-ages assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism, learning differences, exceptionalities, behaviour problems, personality, and parenting concerns for ~15 years. Larissa received her MA in School & Child Psychology from UBC after completing her BA in Psychology at Vancouver Island University. After several years in research and practice, she returned to complete her doctorate at the University of Alberta (UofA) and is presently a doctoral candidate (ABD!) in Cognitive Developmental Psychology, specializing in measurement and conceptualization of executive functioning through transitions and across the lifespan. She has enjoyed teaching Adolescent Development, Emotional Development, and Abnormal Psychology at the UofA over the past 5 years.
Larissa frequently provides community workshops and training in neurodiversity, complex behaviours, and developmental topics, to teachers, EA’s, parent groups, and workplaces. She has special interests in supporting and understanding ADHD and Autism in less researched populations (e.g., women; adults; nonbinary). Larissa is passionate about the impact of family- and social-systems in mental wellness, as well as the importance of policy and governmental agendas for social change.
At Little Oaks, Larissa provides clinical consultation and supervision for many early career clinicians, including clinical counsellors and provisional psychologists, as well as registered psychologists under the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) who are developing competencies in school and formal assessment, neurodiversity, differential diagnosis, and clinical/counselling skills. She is an Adjunct Academic Colleague with the UofA’s Department of Educational Psychology supporting doctorate and masters level practicums and internships through their School & Clinical Child Psychology (SCCP) program. She also accepts student interns from the University of Calgary’s School & Applied Child Psychology (SACP) program, as well as masters of counselling programs including the University of Lethbridge, Yorkville, and City University.
Larissa currently supervises new and training professionals and accepts clients with complex emotional-behavioural needs, particularly in contexts of short-term parenting consultations and family therapy. She has a strong reputation for excellence in comprehensive assessment. She holds assessment contracts with three local school districts, and teaches individuals and teams strategies for successful integration and support of neurodiversity in the workplace and academic systems.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define neurodiversity and articulate core principles of working with neurodiverse clients.
- Identify common challenges and opportunities presented when working with neurodivergent clients.
- Analyze common scenarios where process resistance may arise in therapy for clients with ADHD, such as difficulty with traditional talk therapy formats, emotional dysregulation, and forgetfulness.
- Identify scenarios that may masquerade as outcome resistance and understand how executive function challenges can impact a client’s ability to implement therapeutic recommendations and achieve desired outcomes.
Members Only Discounts
Are you a member with the PAA? Did you know that members get discounts on workshops? Ensure that you are signed in when purchasing a ticket to receive your discount.
Full Members, Early Career Psychologists, Professional Affiliate Members, Out of Province Psychologist Members, Non-Practicing Members and Lifetime Members receive 20% off.
Provisional Members and Psychological Assistant Members receive 30% off.
Student Members receive 40% off.
Registration
Registrations for virtual webinars are open until 3 business days prior to the workshop. Should you wish to register for this workshop within 1-3 business days prior to the workshop, requests must be made in writing to the Continuing Professional Development Officer at cpd@paa-ab.ca. Requests will not be processed if they are received after 12pm on the last business day prior to the workshop.
Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA Continuing Professional Development Officer. Cancellations received fourteen (14) days prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee. Cancellations received thirteen (13) days or less prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will be exempt from receiving a refund. Partial refunds will not be awarded. PAA reserves the right to cancel any activity, in which case a full refund of the registration fee will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for one and a half (1.5) hours of CE Credit. Full attendance at the workshop is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded, and late arrivals or early departure will preclude awarding of Continuing Education Credits. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.
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