Course Outline, Instructor Bios, Learning Objectives
CERTIFICATION 201: Fundamentals of Working with Neurodiverse Couples in Therapy
CERTIFICATION 201: Course Description
Classes meet 8 times online with ZOOM, a video conference program, for 90 minutes, at times that participants work out with the instructor Grace Myhill.
Classes include case presentations from participants, lectures by Grace Myhill, MSW, on Treating Meltdowns and Developmental Delay, Q & A with a neurodiverse couple, and Q & A with neurodiverse couples therapist who specializes in Asperger's and sexuality.
CERTIFICATION 201: Bios of Course Instructors
PRIMARY INSTRUCTOR
Learn more about Grace Myhill, MSW
SECONDARY INSTRUCTOR for the Q & A session
Leslie Sickels, MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in midtown Manhattan. She received her Master’s Degree from Hunter College School of Social Work and has received extensive trainings and certifications in CBT, DBT and trauma-informed practices. Leslie’s areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, depression and trauma. Leslie provides psychotherapy, which often includes building social skills, improving executive functioning and strengthening relationships. Much of her work focuses on gender and sexuality as they relate to the unique concerns of individuals with ASD. Along with individual and family counseling, Leslie provides counseling to neurodiverse couples, in which one partner has ASD. She supports couples in enhancing communication and working through challenges in their partnership. In addition to direct couples’ work, Leslie also provides supportive services, including consultation, training and coaching for family members, siblings and partners of individuals with ASD.
CERTIFICATION 201: Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Explain how to apply the Myhill/Jekel model when working with your clients
Describe how to address meltdowns in one or both partners in a neurodiverse relationship
Explain at least 2 unique challenges when working with neurodiverse couples in therapy
Describe at least 2 reasons why an adult with an Asperger profile to may appear developmentally younger than their chronological age
Explain how developmentally delayed behaviors from a partner with an Asperger profile may affect their spouse and their relationship dynamics
Identify Asperger traits in one of the partners in a neurodiverse couple
Identify common traits of a neurotypical partner in one of the partners in a neurodiverse couple
Apply a neurological lens to the root cause of a neurodiverse couple’s issues
Use language that demonstrates an understanding of how neurodiversity impacts a couple
Reference neurodiversity during a session with a client
Interpret for each partner in a neurodiverse couple
Validate and normalize for each partner based on their neurological profile
Offer at least 2 concrete tools and strategies for challenges of a neurodiverse couple
Describe how you can adjust your therapeutic approach when treating neurodiverse couples in therapy