Raelene Dundon: Creative Therapies for All Minds: A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach
Tracks
Track 2
| Friday, November 15, 2024 |
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Swanston Room, Ground Floor |
Overview
Creative Connections - Integrating Neurodiversity Affirming Practice in Creative Arts Therapy
Details
To be neurodiversity affirming is to acknowledge that all neurotypes are equal in value and valid in their right to exist. For neurodivergent individuals, such as those who are Autistic or ADHD, neurodiversity affirming practices have shifted the focus of therapy to acceptance, accommodation and empowerment rather than teaching skills to ‘fit in’. Creative Arts Therapies are especially suited to neurodiversity affirming ideas due to their focus on relationships and self-expression, but to fully embrace neurodiversity affirming practice, a shift in philosophy and increased understanding of neurodivergent experiences is required. This interactive workshop is designed to equip creative arts therapists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to implement neurodiversity-affirming practices in their work. Through a combination of presentations, discussions, and practical activities, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and concrete strategies for adapting their therapeutic approaches. Suitable for therapists with basic to intermediate experience.
Speaker
Raelene Dundon
Creative Therapies for All Minds: A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach
Biography
Raelene Dundon is an Autistic and ADHDer Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist and Author, with over 20 years' experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families and working with educators and clinicians. She is the Director of Okey Dokey Childhood Therapy and a lecturer in Child Play Therapy at Deakin University.
