Certified Family Therapist For Autism

Unveiling Narratives: Understanding the Power of Stories in Autism Family Therapy

What you'll learn

Supporting families in navigating transitions across various life stages of individuals with ASD, such as diagnosis, adolescence, and adulthood.

Building resilience within families through narrative practices, ritualistic interventions, and coping strategies for managing uncertainty and change.

Utilizing externalization techniques to help separate the individual from the challenges posed by ASD, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment.

Empowering families to challenge societal norms and stigma associated with ASD, fostering acceptance and pride in diverse narratives.

Exploring the significance of language, metaphor, and storytelling in shaping family dynamics and identity.

Developing culturally responsive approaches to therapy and acknowledging the intersectionality of identities within the context of autism family dynamics.

Co-Creating Empowerment: Collaborative Storytelling Techniques in ASD Contexts

Advocacy and Inclusion: Addressing Systemic Barriers in Autism Family Therapy

Requirements

Participants are expected to have a foundational understanding of counseling or therapy principles and some familiarity with autism spectrum disorder.

Basic knowledge of narrative therapy concepts is beneficial but not required.

Description

Welcome to Narrative Approaches in Autism Family Therapy, a comprehensive course designed to equip mental health professionals with the necessary tools and insights to effectively navigate the complexities of working with families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Drawing from the principles outlined in "Family Therapy and the Autism Spectrum-Autism Conversations in Narrative Practice", this course delves into narrative therapy techniques tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals and families living with ASD.Key Takeaways: By the end of this course, participants will:Gain a thorough understanding of narrative therapy principles and their application in the context of autism family therapy.Develop proficiency in utilizing narrative techniques to reframe experiences, challenge dominant narratives, and co-create empowering stories with families.Enhance their ability to foster resilience, promote growth, and facilitate meaningful connections within ASD families.Learn practical strategies for collaborating with diverse family structures, cultural backgrounds, and communication styles.Acquire skills to navigate complex emotions, address systemic barriers, and advocate for inclusive practices within therapeutic settings.Course Outline:Module 1: Foundations of Narrative Therapy in Autism Family TherapyUnderstanding the core principles of narrative therapyExploring the intersection of narrative practices and autism spectrum disorderRecognizing the importance of language, metaphor, and storytelling in shaping family dynamicsModule 2: Collaborative Storytelling and Co-AuthorshipFacilitating collaborative conversations with individuals with ASD and their familiesUtilizing externalization techniques to separate the person from the problemEngaging in co-authorship of preferred narratives and exploring alternative perspectivesModule 3: Rewriting Dominant Narratives and Challenging StigmaIdentifying dominant narratives surrounding autism and their impact on family identityDeconstructing stigma and reframing deficit-based narratives into strengths-based perspectivesEmpowering families to challenge societal norms and embrace diverse narratives of autismModule 4: Cultivating Resilience and Navigating TransitionsSupporting families in navigating transitions across the lifespan of individuals with ASDBuilding resilience through narrative practices and ritualistic interventionsAddressing grief, loss, and uncertainty within the context of autism family dynamicsModule 5: Addressing Systemic Barriers and Promoting Inclusive PracticesAdvocating for systemic changes to promote accessibility, equity, and inclusion for individuals with ASD and their familiesDeveloping culturally responsive approaches to therapy and acknowledging intersecting identitiesCollaborating with community resources and interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: The Visual Framework

Lecture 2 The Visual Framework

Lecture 3 Replacing Diagnostic Labels with Descriptive Language

Lecture 4 Narrative Therapy Practices and the Autism Spectrum

Lecture 5 Guiding Individuals and Families to Develop an Empowered Narrative

Section 3: Dysregulated to Controlled

Lecture 6 Dysregulated to Controlled

Lecture 7 Shaping the Narrative Shift from Dysregulated to Controlled

Lecture 8 Disorder to Style

Section 4: Narrative Development Across the Life Cycle

Lecture 9 Narrative Development Across the Life Cycle

Lecture 10 Rusty's Learning Abilities

Section 5: Identifying and Addressing Autism-Specific Struggles in Childhood

Lecture 11 Identifying and Addressing Autism-Specific Struggles in Childhood

Lecture 12 Seeking Support for Emma's School Program

Section 6: Adolescents

Lecture 13 Adolescents

Lecture 14 The Therapy Process with Amelia and Her Parents

Section 7: Young Adults

Lecture 15 Young Adults

Lecture 16 Becca and Her Development of Emotional Resiliency and Coping Skills

Section 8: Therapy Resources

Lecture 17 Therapy Resources

This course is designed for mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other practitioners working with individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.