COUNSELLING AND THE AUTISM SPECTRUM:

Working therapeutically with clients with Asperger Syndrome

A one-day CPD workshop to be delivered by

Anja Rutten BSc (Hons), MA (Counselling and Psychotherapy), PGCHPE

Saturday 28 January 2012     9.30 am - 5.00 pm     Fee: £65.00

About the workshop:

As a consequence of bookings and enquiries exceeding the number of places available, this is a repeat of Anja's workshop offered on October 29, 2011 on October 29, 2011.on October 29, 2011. on October 29, 2011. on October 29, 2011.    ...... .

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is at the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum.  All people on this spectrum experience difficulties in socialising, interaction and problems with imagination.  In addition, sensory difficulties and a narrow range of interests are common.  Many people with AS experience high levels of anxiety and depression.

Clients with AS are increasingly accessing counselling but often find their experiences unhelpful -- in part due to being misunderstood by their therapist.  There is growing interest from counsellors and psychotherapists in working with people on the autism spectrum but the professional fields of 'therapy' and 'autism' have only recently begun developing links.  Although awareness of the autism spectrum is increasing, it still remains relatively unknown to many if not most therapy practitioners.

This workshop will start by giving participants an understanding of what autism and Asperger Syndrome are, and will then move on to how we as practitioners can work therapeutically with clients who are on the spectrum.  Throughout the day there will be a mix of information input, practice examples and discussion.  Opportunities can be created for discussion of participants' experiences in practice if this seems useful to group members.  It is, however, not necessary to have experience in working with this group of clients.

About Anja Rutten:

Anja has a first degree in Psychology and an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy.  She trained in the person-centred approach with additional trainings in process-experiential/emotion-focused therapy and in pre-therapy.  Previously Head of Social Programmes and Befriending at the National Autistic Society, she was responsible for setting up and managing a network of nationwide social opportunities for people on the autistic spectrum, and their families.

Currently a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counselling at Staffordshire University, Anja seeks to combine her interests in direct meaningful contact with people, teaching, counselling and autism.  As part of her on-going PhD research linked to the University of Strathclyde, she is interviewing people with Asperger syndrome about their experiences of counselling.

Anja's counselling experience includes working with people with Asperger Syndrome.  She works independently for a Community Interest Company called Midlands Psychology, based in Stafford and Birmingham, and is involved with autism diagnosis and intervention for children.  Much of her work currently is with families.