BC Play Therapy Association holds workshops throughout the year to help advance the education of Play Therapy Practitioners and related professions. These usually revolve around a specialized speaker teaching a subject of importance to the advancement of play therapy as a therapeutic practice.

Empowering Neurodiversity: Dismantling Ableism In and Out of the Playroom

Presented by (Fatima) Natascha Lawrence (she/her/hers pronouns), M.A., RCC, BCRPT, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and EMDR practitioner.

(8 CEs/CEUs) – Two Day Online Workshop

Friday May 27th 9am – 1:30pm

& Saturday May 28th 9am – 2:45pm (BCPTA AGM will be held from 12:30pm – 1:30pm)

Workshop Description:

In the medical model of disability, the focus is on deficits, disorders, and impairments. From the neurodiversity paradigm, first described by Judy Singer, we shift from pathologizing to honouring and celebrating.

The mission of the FASD Institute is to dismantle systems of oppression so that individuals of all abilities and diversities may be empowered and thrive.

In this presentation, you will learn how ableism is rooted in all systems because it is rooted in racism and colonization. You will learn how to dismantle ableism within your play therapy practice. Dismantling ableism not only benefits your clients, but it also empowers us as clinicians; it benefits all.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate understanding of concepts and terminology within the neurodiversity movement and social model of disability framework
• Describe how these frameworks invite new thinking and working by practitioners in Play Therapy
• Describe how ableism is rooted in all systems, and how this relationship shows up in Play Therapy
• Demonstrate how to reconceptualize methodologies in Play Therapy to empower neurodiversity
• Describe how play, as a fundamental need for both children and adults, can be facilitated without neuronormative and ableist ideals and goals
• Describe how to create a play therapy room and play therapy session that empowers neurodiversity
• Explain how to help children find the play they need for emotional health and well-being in sensory significant, respectful, and appropriate ways in Play Therapy
• Demonstrate how to reorient out of the roles of expert and professional and dismantle internalized ableism in Play Therapy
• Describe how to promote reorientation and reframing for parents in Play Therapy

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Play therapists, children’s counsellors, family therapists, family counsellors, psychologists, social workers, school counsellors, and other mental health professionals working with children, adolescents and families will benefit from this training. A basic understanding of play therapy would be beneficial.

About the Presenter:

(Fatima) Natascha Lawrence (she/her/hers pronouns), M.A., RCC, BCRPT is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Registered Play Therapist, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and EMDR practitioner.  She is a BIPOC first-generation Canadian settler of mixed Asian ancestry, an ADHDer, Queer and has a mobility disability due to a chronic pain neurological condition.

With almost 20 years of experience, Natascha specializes in neurodiversity, particularly with FASD, Autism, and ADHD.  Natascha has experience working with clients across different modalities and systems, including schools, hospitals, community mental health, and private practice, and has worked with individuals from birth to adulthood, couples and families.

Dedicated to enlightening the world to see through the beauty of a neurodiversity lens, Natascha is the co-founder of the FASD Institute, which provides counselling and education to clinicians, individuals, and families.  Natascha is the creator of the Empowering Neurodiversity (END) Model™, a framework that guides clinicians on dismantling racism, ableism, oppression, and decolonizing their practices to empower neurodiversity.  The END Model™ aims to support play therapists as advocates, activists, and clinicians.

Most importantly, Natascha is the parent of two incredible neurodivergent children.

To learn more, visit: https://fasdcounselling.com/ and for supervision, consultation, or workshop and course offerings including The END™ Model, visit: https://fasdinstitute.com/

CANCELLATION POLICY:

1. To cancel your registration, please send us a cancellation notice via email at [email protected] no later than 2 weeks before the start of an event for a full refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee. No refund is issued if you cancel your registration within 2 weeks of the event.
2. Please note that all payments received and/or processed on workshop day will be processed at manual registration rates.
3. If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact us at info@bcplaytherapy.ca.

Should you have any questions about this workshop, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@bcplaytherapy.ca