Steps Towards Neurodiversity-Affirming IFS Practice
Are you an IFS therapist eager to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity? Do you want to ensure your practice is truly inclusive and affirming? Then you’re in the right place. Alessio and Jude, two experienced neurodivergent Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapists, are excited to announce a new workshop designed to elevate your knowledge and skills.
This isn’t just another training. It’s a chance to reconnect with the fundamentals of IFS while integrating a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Continue reading to discover how this workshop can make a real difference in your therapeutic approach.
Why Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Matters
Neurodiversity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a recognition that neurological differences are natural and valuable forms of human variation. It encompasses autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Treating neurodivergence as a deficit can be harmful. So how can IFS practitioners ensure they’re providing truly supportive care?
The key lies in cultural competence. As therapists, we must understand the social and cultural contexts that shape our clients’ experiences. This means being aware of potential biases and stereotypes. It means learning to communicate in ways that resonate with neurodivergent individuals. It means validating their unique perspectives and strengths.
Beyond Basic IFS: The Need for Specialized Knowledge
IFS offers a powerful framework for understanding the inner world. But is it always enough? Alessio and Jude believe that IFS alone isn’t always enough. Therapists also need specialized knowledge about neurodiversity to truly support their clients.
While completing levels 1, 2, and 3 can provide a therapist with the credentials to practice IFS, that doesn’t mean they automatically have the necessary cultural competency to best treat neurodivergent clients.
Consider this: A client may not even know they’re neurodivergent. Alternatively, they might be very knowledgeable and expect a certain level of understanding from their therapist. In either case, therapists must be prepared to meet their clients where they are.
Introducing: Steps Towards Neurodiversity-Affirming IFS Practice
The “Steps Towards Neurodiversity-Affirming IFS Practice” workshop is designed to bridge this gap. Alessio and Jude created this workshop with the specific needs of the neurodivergent community in mind. It aims to elevate the professionalism of those working with neurodivergent individuals.
This workshop acknowledges that sometimes, to move forward, you need to revisit some core aspects, like addressing common misconceptions, such as the idea that neurodivergence is simply a “part.”
What Makes This Workshop Different?
Alessio and Jude bring together IFS with a cultural competence lens. This combination provides therapists with a more holistic and effective approach. The result is a therapeutic environment where neurodivergent clients feel truly seen, understood, and supported.
Participants can expect to bring IFS out of a theoretical vacuum and bring it into the real world. By grounding the methodology in social and cultural contexts, therapists can ensure that their practice is both ethical and effective.
An Invitation to Ask Questions and Learn Without Judgement
One of the most important aspects of this workshop is the creation of a safe space for questions. No question is considered “bad.” Whatever your level of understanding about neurodiversity, this workshop welcomes you to ask questions without judgment.
Education and knowledge-sharing shouldn’t involve shame. Shaming people for getting things wrong only shuts down dialogue and hinders learning. This workshop fosters a supportive environment where participants can explore their questions and uncertainties.
Key Workshop Topics
The workshop will cover a range of key topics, including:
Understanding the Neurodiversity Paradigm: Explore the core principles of neurodiversity and its implications for therapy.
Reconsidering IFS Concepts: Re-evaluate traditional IFS concepts through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Cultural Competence: Discover how cultural competence enhances your work with neurodivergent clients.
The workshop will look into cultural burdens and therapist parts. Participants will learn how to identify and address potential biases. This self-awareness is crucial for providing truly affirming care. Participants will have the opportunity to explore different models of neurodivergence. This includes frameworks that challenge traditional, deficit-based perspectives.
The Power of Intersectionality
It’s important to recognize that neurodivergence often intersects with other marginalized identities. The workshop highlights the importance of intersectional work. This means considering how race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and other factors shape a person’s experience of neurodivergence.
While this workshop can’t cover all aspects of cultural competence, it can provide a solid foundation. This will build confidence and clarity around working with neurodivergent clients. The learnings can then be applied to other areas, such as LGBTQ+ work or addressing racial and ethnic disparities.
Building a Community of Practice
This workshop is just the first step in a larger project. Alessio and Jude envision creating a community of practice. This community would serve as a space where therapists can come together to share knowledge, meet peers, and access specialized expertise.
Therapy can be a lonely profession. Therapists may feel isolated, especially if they’re highly specialized. By creating a community, Alessio and Jude hope to foster connection and collaboration.
Workshop Details: Dates, Times, and Requirements
Here are the essential details you need to know:
Date: October 16th
Time: 5 PM to 8 PM UK time
Requirement: Completion of IFS Level 1 or equivalent
Early bird discount: Available for bookings made before September 25th - here is the booking link
Why a Level 1 Prerequisite?
Alessio and Jude require participants to have completed IFS Level 1 (or its equivalent) to ensure a basic understanding of the IFS model. However, they recognize that some individuals may have gained sufficient knowledge through other means.
For example, some people may have completed a program on the IFS Learning Hub. They also may have gained sufficient experience through extensive work with an IFS therapist. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, feel free to contact Alessio and Jude to discuss your background.
The Broader Context: Cultural Competence and Ethical Practice
Cultural competence is more than just a set of skills. It’s an ongoing process of learning, reflection, and adaptation. It requires therapists to examine their own beliefs and biases. They also must seek to understand the perspectives of their clients.
According to the American Psychological Association, cultural competence involves:
Awareness of one’s own cultural values and biases
Understanding the client’s cultural background
Using culturally appropriate intervention strategies
The Ethical Imperative
Providing culturally competent care is not just a matter of best practice. It’s an ethical imperative. The APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of respecting diversity and avoiding discrimination.
By failing to address cultural factors, therapists risk causing harm to their clients. They may misinterpret behaviors, pathologize normal variations, or provide interventions that are ineffective or even harmful.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Neurodiversity in IFS Practice
The “Steps Towards Neurodiversity-Affirming IFS Practice” workshop represents a significant step forward in creating more inclusive and effective therapy for neurodivergent individuals. By combining the power of IFS with a deep understanding of neurodiversity, Alessio and Jude are empowering therapists to provide truly transformative care.
This workshop is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and connect with a community of like-minded professionals. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey toward neurodiversity-affirming IFS practice?
