Neurodivergent-Affirming DBT

The neurodiversity paradigm recontextualizes divergences of mind seen in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others as natural variations in human development and experience. Members of neurodivergent communities have become active authors and participant researchers in identifying barriers to clinical care. Through their advocacy, new models of best practice for working with cognitive and sensory-focused approaches to flourishing have emerged. These models open novel, inclusive, and effective possibilities for currently practiced gold-standard interventions, potentially revolutionizing our clinical p...Read moreractice.

One such intervention is DBT. As the neurodiversity model moves barriers created by neurodivergence out of a deficit-based disability model and into a social, relational model, new possibilities for Hegelian approaches to the dialectics of acceptance and change come into focus. Holistic, individualized sensory-profile-based approaches to mindfulness practice and nervous system regulation meet contemporary cognitive approaches and offer clients tools to analyze thought processes and chains of events in the context of power and sociopolitical location, the history of the body through trauma, and the truth of their equal worth and dignity.

In this workshop, we’ll explore the mechanics of neurodivergent-affirming, relational approaches to Dialectical Behavior Therapy. We’ll discuss how to enhance engagement in neuroinclusive DBT by centering the philosophical and existential components of the modality in ways that invite and revivify agential identifications and a sense of being seen and heard in both group and individual treatment settings Particular topics of focus will be organized around the presentation of several clinical vignettes and will include using neuroinclusive dialectical reasoning to (1) negotiate structure (2) decenter authoritarian thinking, and (3) engage clients with pro-active rather than reactive approaches to accessibility, especially regarding core elements of DBT such as mindfulness practice. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Explore the nuances of the neurodiversity paradigm, its relationship to relational approaches to well-being, and its relevance to clinical practice.
• Use clinical vignettes as a resource for discussing and applying extant research and to understand the common barriers neurodivergent persons face with respect to clinical care.
• Apply principles of neurodivergent-affirming relational approaches to the framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with individuals and groups.

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

09:00 AM EDT - 12:00 PM EDT