Heidi (any pronouns) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) in the state of Washington who graduated spring 2024 with their Master's Degree as part of a career shift made necessary by burnout and COVID. They enjoy working with neurodiverse and queer individuals and couples in their private practice. Heidi has lived and professional experience with the CNM/ENM community as well as the BDSM community. Additionally, she is passionate about sex education, which includes education about asexuality and the aspec umbrella. Heidi is herself a non-binary, non-monogamous, switchy, adult diagnosed neurodivergent nerd. You can find their information at shortresttherapy.com. 

Aspec, Autism & Kink: Supporting Therapy Clients

Join Heidi & Kade, who are mental health professionals with lived experience, as they explain what research tells us about the intersection of kinky folks who are autistic and are somewhere on the asexual/aromantic spectrum... and how to apply that knowledge to supporting our therapy clients! The first portion of class will be lecture-style and the second portion will be open for discussion and attendee questions. We intend to cover basic facts, specific professional counseling ethics, and other relevant clinical considerations that are important when supporting these populations. We also encourage participant questions and discussion regarding being an autistic aspec kinky provider and how to support ourselves in this work.

Notes to attendees: please do not provide any private health information about your clients. This class is not a substitute for clinical supervision or consultation, nor is it therapy.

Presenter Bios:

Kade (he/they) is a kinky (primarily left of the slash) autistic queer demi aro trans (neuroqueer) Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Child Mental Health Specialist, and Certified Sex Therapist practicing in Washington. He specializes in supporting queer, non-cis autistic and AuDHD clients of all ages and neurodivergent supervisees. Kade has his PhD in Clinical Sexology through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT.) Kade loves: helping people figure out they're autistic, playing board & card games, audiobooks, roleplaying, reality TV, true crime, and his senior cats.
Kade accepts support through Venmo (@kadesharp) and you can follow them at www.kadesharp.com or www.neurokink.org

Heidi (any pronouns) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) in the state of Washington who graduated spring 2024 with their Master's Degree as part of a career shift made necessary by burnout and COVID. They enjoy working with neurodiverse and queer individuals and couples in their private practice. Heidi has lived and professional experience with the CNM/ENM community as well as the BDSM community. Additionally, she is passionate about sex education, which includes education about asexuality and the aspec umbrella. Heidi is herself a non-binary, non-monogamous, switchy, adult diagnosed neurodivergent nerd. You can find their information at shortresttherapy.com and can donate at $shortresttherapy on Cash app. 

 

Handouts/slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18VbvivsftcBwUciJ2xNDotNvZmwTH9oY2NGEL48-4nI/edit?usp=sharing

 

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