Neurodiverse Couples Therapy

9:00am to 12:00pm ET

LIVE WEBINAR

Presenter: Leslie Sickels, LCSW

NASW-NYS Members: $30

NASW Other Chapter Member (Including NYC): $60

Non-Members: $75

NASW-NYS Student and Transitional Members: FREE

This workshop is approved for 3.0 continuing education credit hours for licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed psychologists

Workshop Description
This course will explore the emerging therapeutic field of neurodiverse couples counseling. Neurodiverse relationships, in which one or both partners are on the autism spectrum, signifies that partners brains are wired differently from one another. While the constellation of symptoms that comprise Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary for each person, there are hallmark challenges that arise within neurodiverse relationships. Understanding neurodiversity in a relationship can help couples begin to understand about their neurological differences, recognize how and when neurodiversity is coming up in their relationship, and learn concrete tools to improve their connection. This course will address ways to identify neurodevelopmental differences in a couple and explore the core challenges in these partnerships, including topics such as communication and intimacy. This workshop will offer practical strategies for discussing neurodiversity and therapeutically supporting couples in developing and maintaining healthy relationships.

Learning Objectives

After the completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Describe ways to recognize neurodiversity in relationships
2. Explain how to provide psychoeducation to individuals and couples about autism
3. Identify ways to apply practical tools to support better communication and healthier relationships

This workshop is approved for 3.0 continuing education credit hours.

NASW-NYS is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (Provider ID #0014), licensed mental health counselors (Provider ID #MHC-0053), licensed marriage and family therapists (Provider ID #MFT-0037) and licensed psychologists (Provider ID #PSY-0088).

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Presenter:

Leslie A. Sickels, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker based in Manhattan. Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodiverse relationships, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Much of her work focuses on gender and sexuality as they relate to the unique concerns of individuals with ASD. Leslie utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach and integrates trauma-informed practices into her work. She provides psychotherapy, which often includes building social skills, improving executive functioning, and strengthening relationships.

Along with individual therapy, Leslie provides counseling to neurodiverse couples, in which one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. She supports couples in enhancing communication and working through challenges in their partnership. Leslie’s work focuses on neurodiversity as an asset in relationships. Her work is goal-oriented and concrete so that couples can identify and understand neurodiversity in their partnership and develop tools to strengthen their relationship. Leslie also provides supportive services, including consultation and coaching for partners of individuals with ASD.