A workshop for mental health professionals with Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist
About this Event

Tailoring Therapy for Autistic Children & Teens: Evidence Based Approaches and Practical Insights

Join Dr Sirja van Zyl (Clinical Psychologist) for this workshop, tailored for mental health professionals working with autistic children and teenagers. This session will explore why traditional talking therapies need to be adapted when working with neurodivergent clients and how we can implement these changes effectively and sensitively.

Sirja will explore the latest research and guidance on therapeutic adaptations for autistic young people, covering key challenges clinicians face and practical strategies that can easily be translated to clincial practice. Sirja has developed this workshop based on feedback from autistic young people she has been privileged to work with, offering their unique perspectives on what truly makes therapy effective for them.

While the focus is on working with children and adolescents, many of the strategies discussed will also be relevant when working with autistic adults. Join us for this opportunity to enhance your practice and better support the autistic clients you work with.

This workshop is limited to a maximum of 25 attendees to allow time for discussion and a Question and Answer session.

Dr Sirja Van Zyl is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience of working with children and young people. She has a special interest in the assessment of autism, ADHD and tics and Tourettes as well as offering therapeutic support to neurodivergent young people. Sirja has worked in NHS Child and Adolescent mental health services as well as psychiatric inpatient hospitals and private practice. She has previously held the position of Pathway Lead in an NHS neurodevelopmental service and is now the Joint Director of Kent Psychologist and the Clinical Lead for the Autism and ADHD assessment team within the service. Sirja is passionate about creating a positive future for neurodivergent children and young people and regularly provides training to health care professionals, schools, parents, charities and the corporate sector.