The fringe sessions take place from 13.15 - 14.00 and can be chosen on the day.   

Newcastle

Raymi Doyle - One size does not fit all: therapeutically working with clients on the autistic spectrum

During this session, delegates will get the opportunity to:

Be introduced to some of the key characteristics of autism that may have an impact when working therapeutically with children and young people on the spectrum.

Be introduced to some of the therapeutic approaches that when adapted have shown to be effective when working with children and young people on the Spectrum in an ethical manner.

Explore some of the differences between working with boys or girls on the Spectrum

Explore some of the recent theories and neuroscience behind Autism and how this influences how we therapeutically work with children and young people on the Spectrum.

Raymi also provides qualitative training and CPD courses for counsellors and other professionals who work therapeutically with young people and adults on the Autistic Spectrum.

For further information please see his website at http://www.counsellingrooms.co.uk/

Jean Lancashire - Parent & Child Placements in a fostering environment: supporting families to stay together and helping to break the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage

This session will explore the role of parent and child placements in a fostering environment.  We will provide a space for interaction and discussion about the importance of developing this service for families and the key principles that underpin it are theories of attachment, child development and neuroscience. The support the carer offers will encourage early bonding and attachment between parent and child in a safe and supported environment where the welfare of the child remains paramount.  The service is conducted within a family setting using a strengths approach to develop the potential of parents to achieve "good-enough" parenting. The carer works with the parent to support parenting and support the parent in coming to terms with past trauma and promote independent living skills. Our team parenting ethos enables a team approach to support the carer and gives access to therapeutic and education advice and support to both carer and parent.

Bridget Sheehan - ‘Food 4 Thought' -  working creatively with the medium of food to meet the needs of children/young people who lack nurture

Food holds emotional significance for all of us. It is also a very powerful metaphor for nurture and therefore also for neglect. Can we work creatively, using food as a medium, to address issues of neglect and to enable children/young people to experience nurture?

This workshop is suitable for anyone working with/interested in working with groups of children/young people and/ or parents. It is experiential so be prepared for mess! Please inform the facilitator if you have any food allergies (although no eating is required!).

Aims:

• To introduce and explore the concept of food as a therapeutic medium
• To describe a small group therapeutic intervention (for children or children and parents/carers) which uses food as its medium
• To look at outcome data
• To participate in an experiential activity

Jo Warwick - Using the counselling relationship to re-establish the developmentally healthy relationship between parent and child, as regards to child victims of domestic violence and the smothering mother.

The aim of the session is to look at how a trusting therapeutic relationship and counselling triad can be used to re-establish a healthy balanced relationship between parent and child, post domestic abuse, using creative activities and interventions to develop Attachment, Attunement, Space and taking the fear out of rage and personal individuality. The session will be presented with a case example and feedback on the differences in the relationship and emotional wellbeing of both parent and child.

This session may be of interest to those who are keen to develop the use of physical activities and play in their therapeutic work with children and families.

Simone Silver Path - Wilderness Therapy with looked after young people

This session is for those working with young people who have experienced trauma and loss and those who present with extreme behavioural difficulties. We will look at the Four Shields and ecotherapy model that places the young person in the larger landscape of the natural world, enabling them to find their way back to the whole of who they are and not just to be identified by the circumstances of their trauma. We will also talk about Holding The Space and Council a deep communication method that is used in Wilderness Therapy. The only qualification that you need is the ability to be open to a different way of working.