Diagnoses and Humanistic Counseling of the Neurodiverse: ADHD, Autism, and Beyond

The San Fernando Valley District California Society for Clinical Social Work Presents: Diagnoses and Humanistic Counseling of the Neurodiverse: ADHD, Autism, and Beyond - Joel Schwartz, PsyD and Kristen Zaleski, Ph.D., LCSW

Joel Schwartz, PsyD and Kristen Zaleski, PhD, LCSW will present on the topic of how neurobiology, diversity, and psychology interplay into psychological diagnoses and treatment. Dr. Kristen Zaleski will discuss the issues presented by Dr. Joel Schwartz. Joel Schwartz, PsyD is currently a psychological assistant at Poach Consulting and Associates in Torrance, CA. Dr. Schwartz’s initial training and experienced focused on cognition and applied behavioral analysis. He moved to New York City to pursue a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, finding particular resonance with psychoanalytic and humanistic thought. While in New York, Dr. Schwartz worked in a federal prison, various college counseling centers, a community outpatient clinic, and an agency for foster children. He returned to California where he experiences an ever-challenging and rewarding neurodiverse life. Dr. Schwartz is a proud “ADHDer” with a spouse and stepson with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Schwartz works in a private practice predominately with teens and adults providing therapy and psychological assessment. He has particular interest in working with survivors of trauma, the neurodiverse, the LGBTQI population, and individuals experiencing emerging psychosis.

Kristen Zaleski, PhD, LCSW is an advocate, researcher, professor and psychotherapist in Southern California. Dr. Zaleski is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the USC School of Social Work where she continues to study neurobiology, attachment, diversity, LGBTQI, trauma, and empathy as areas of interest.  Dr. Zaleski has published research on treatment for sexual assault-related PTSD and focused her dissertation research on the trauma of becoming pregnant from a rape during military service. Her book, Rape and Roll Call: Understanding and Treating Military Sexual Trauma, released in spring 2015, focuses on the epidemic of sexual violence in the military.  Dr. Zaleski received her doctorate at the Sanville Institute. She also maintains a private practice.

Learning objectives - participants will be able to:

1.) Learn to challenge diagnostic categories and challenge theoretical expectations

2.) Learn how to view symptoms through a client-centered lens

3.) Learn about what neurodiversity is, and how it is developing a ‘voice’ in psychological dialogues.

4.) Learn how to work humanistically with the neurodiverse.

The Community Room is located on the 1st level near the Cheesecake Factory and next to the Paul Mitchell Salon. VALIDATION FOR ALL DAY FREE PARKING will be given at the meeting.

All are welcome, regardless of geography, and there is no charge to attend. Students are encouraged to attend. CEU’s are available to LCSWs, LPPC’s and MFTs as required by The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (PCE#1). Members will receive 1.5 CEU units free of charge. The fee for non-members to receive 1.5 CEU units is $15. (PLEASE BRING CASH). Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your flyers, brochures and business cards for networking and socializing.

RSVP’s are preferred.

Coordinator: Tanya Moradians, Ph.D. LCSW tmoradia@ucla.edu or 818 783-1881

Co-Coordinator: Gloria Gesas, LCSW gegesaslcsw@gmail.com or 818 990-1053