An Introduction to Autistic-Centred Counselling

Presenter:  Sherine Mettini (MNZAC) & Serena Stace (MNZAC, AThR) 

This workshop has been developed as a result of many years of working with people on the autism spectrum (including Asperger Syndrome) , their families and associated professionals. It addresses their struggle to find suitable counselling that empathises with the many traits of the autism spectrum that can present in confused meaning when it comes to making sense of their emotions, communications and social awareness.

The co-facilitators have observed how autistic client-centred counselling can resolve many stressors for the client, their family and often for the professionals. Sherine and Serena have been counselling austic people for over 20 years. They both have family members on the autism spectrum, giving them lived experience, knowledge and understanding into the issues and challenges experienced by autistic people and their families.

The focus of the workshop will be to provide understanding, strategies and techniques for professionals to have confidence supporting autistic clients and their families. Examples will be presented from both counselling case studies and stories from autistic clients to help professionals make sense of ‘everyday’ worlds through the eyes and minds of autistic clients regardless of their cognitive ability.

This training will be of particular interest to counsellors, therapists, and professionals who support people on the autism spectrum and their families.

Some of topics we will explore:

• Counselling principles and modification for counselling when working with autistic people.
• Anxiety and depression and other feelings
• Stuff that works and stuff that doesn’t
• Strategies and case studies

Workshop notes and a PD Certificate will be given at the end of the workshop. 
 

Eating Disorders and Other Eating Issues: an introduction 

Presenter: Lena Cromartie

This half-day in-person training for talk therapists provides an introduction to understanding and responding to eating disorders and other eating issues. The information is based on the latest research as well as clinical experience, and some experiential exercises are included. Prior experience with a range of eating issues, or attendance at the online training ‘Eating Issues: The Fundamentals’ is a pre-requisite.

Key learning points include:

• Knowing the main types of eating issues and eating disorders
• Understanding causes: the role of genes and the environment
• Assessing for risk and readiness to change
• Developing a therapeutic alliance/working alliance with your client
• Working with your client: first steps
• Multidisciplinary work and referring to other services
• ANZAED eating disorder treatment principles & clinical practice standards 

For 10 years, Lena Cromartie (PG Dip Counselling, Dip Life Coaching, Dip Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders) ran a busy private practice dedicated to clients with eating issues. She is a full member of NZAC, an accredited registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), and the author of Bingeing, Dieting and You: 30 things every woman needs to know.