Conclusion - Applying Knowledge to Independent Practices
Presented by Kate McNulty, LCSW and Marcelle Giamona Ciampi, Ed.D.
Friday, June 20, 2025
9am-11:30am PT / 11am-1:30pm CT / 12pm-2:30pm ET
Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.
The clinical framework of neurodivergent-affirming practice is rooted in advocacy for disability rights. Therapists who integrate this model into their work are equipped to engage clients and to collaborate effectively with their support networks. Strengths-based, systemic thinking increases rapport with those who have complex disorders.
Operating with a thorough understanding of disability allows the therapist to extend their learning beyond the discipline of mental health. This equips them to better customize clinical techniques to fit the needs of individual clients and to maximize client self-determination.
Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.5 CEs for Psychologists, 2.5 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, or 2.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs.
The clinical framework of neurodivergent-affirming practice is rooted in advocacy for disability rights. Therapists who integrate this model into their work are equipped to engage clients and to collaborate effectively with their support networks. Strengths-based, systemic thinking increases rapport with those who have complex disorders.
Operating with a thorough understanding of disability allows the therapist to extend their learning beyond the discipline of mental health. This equips them to better customize clinical techniques to fit the needs of individual clients and to maximize client self-determination.
After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:
- Choose affirming terminology by inquiring about client beliefs and customs.
- Infer clients’ level of self-advocacy skills and build as indicated.
- Apply knowledge of disability and ableism in selecting therapeutic strategies.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
General Admission: $40
The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $30*
Students: $20*
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Kate McNulty, LCSW
Kate McNulty has been in private practice since 1999. Kate is an experienced therapist and instructor specializing in neurodiversity and relationships. Kate is certified as a Gottman Therapist and Trainer and an AASECT Sex Therapist and Supervisor.
Marcelle Giamona Ciampi, Ed.D.
Dr. Marcelle Giamona Ciampi (aka Samantha Craft) is best known for her writings found in the well-received book Everyday Aspergers. Ciampi, credited for architecting an innovative universal design approach to workplace inclusion, is a former internationally-recognized DEIA specialist. Some of Ciampi’s works, especially the Autistic Traits List, have been translated into multiple languages and shared in counseling offices around the world. Ciampi has corresponded with over 10,000 individuals on the autism spectrum and been featured in various literature. Considered an expert in the field of neurodiversity, she has served as a contributor, advisor, and board member to autism organizations and conferences, including the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. Ciampi also contributed to the book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. After raising her three sons and earning a doctorate at Seattle University in organizational leadership and learning, with an emphasis on social justice, Ciampi returned to her love of teaching children. She currently resides and works in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, the founder of neuroguides.org, and her fluffy dog, George Bailey.
Chapman, R., & Botha, M. (2022). Neurodivergence‐informed therapy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(3), 310–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15384
Jones, F., Hamilton, J., & Kargas, N. (2024b). Accessibility and affirmation in counselling: An exploration into neurodivergent clients’ experiences. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12742
Kroll, E., Lederman, M., Kohlmeier, J., Kumar, K., Ballard, J., Zant, I., & Fenkel, C. (2024). The positive impact of identity-affirming mental health treatment for neurodivergent individuals. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403129
Target Audience: Masters and doctoral level mental health professionals.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.