Neurodivergence:
Relational and Sexuality Affirming Practices 101

Date and Time:

Friday November 10, 2023: 10am-1pm

LOCATION:

1700 W Irving Park Rd, Suite 302 Chicago, IL 60613
Virtual option available. Link will be emailed upon registration.

Workshop Description:

This workshop will discuss in depth the roots of the neurodivergent movement and the importance of it. During this workshop, participants will explore how the neurodivergent-affirming movement can be used in therapeutic settings. A focus on the relational and sexuality challenges that can come up when working with neurodivergent clients will be discussed. Additionally, participants will learn how to be implement neurodivergent-affirming practices through a relational and sexuality lens, to increase appropriate care for the specific needs of this client population.

Course Objectives:

• Learn where, how, and why the neurodivergence-affirming movement was created.

• Discuss the roots of neuronormativity and the role it has played in therapeutic settings leading people to not receiving proper care.

• Gain understanding of how neurodivergent-affirming care helps all people experience liberation from the ties of neuronormativity.

• Learn how to implement neurodivergent-affirming care to effectively work with neurodivergent people surrounding relational and sexuality needs. 

Audience:

• Professional Counselors

• Social Workers

• Substance Use Counselors

• Marriage and Family Therapists

• Psychologists 

Presenter Biography:

Anna Nokes, LCSW (She/They)

As someone who has sat on the other side of the room, Anna knows firsthand that healing is possible. She understands lived experience, and believes that people are experts on their lives.

Anna works from a somatic-based approach as a way to help her clients create a mind-body connection. She is passionate about helping clients develop a more connected, kind and gentle relationship with their body. As someone who lives in a larger body, Anna understands firsthand what it’s like to live in a world that is constantly telling people to become smaller. She believes that our body deserves to take up space, therefore she helps clients find their voice by identifying ways to make people's bodies their home.

Anna's specializations are in religious trauma and spiritual abuse, gender and sexuality, teenagers and young adults, neurodivergence affirming care, and helping clients ditch diet culture.

As a queer therapist, Anna is equipped to work with those exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. She is especially passionate about working with teenagers, college students, and young adults. Anna utilizes attachment theory, the Trauma Resiliency Model, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as she works with those who are looking to heal from trauma and reconnect with their bodies. Anna believes that therapy is a sacred space and that healing happens when one is able to share their story in a safe environment. Anna earned a Master's of Social Work at Aurora University, and she is committed to diversity, multicultural competency, social advocacy and community engagement.

Continuing Education Hours:

This program is recognized as providing 3.0 CE* Hours for:
• LPC/LCPC (IDFPR license # 197.000360)
• LSW/LCSW (IDFPR license # 159.001584)
• Licensed Psychologist (IDFPR license # 268.000146)