Presented by Lillian Audette, PhD

Disability in the Therapy Room: Theory and Practice

Disability can be understood in many different ways, and the framework a clinician uses can significantly shape clinical conceptualization, the interventions they choose, and the therapeutic relationship. In this two-hour clinical workshop, Lillian M. Audette, PhD, will introduce common and current models of disability, including the medical, social, and human rights models. Participants will discuss the strengths and limitations of these frameworks, consider how different models may influence the therapy they provide, and build their knowledge and skills in addressing disability in the therapeutic space. The workshop will invite clinicians to examine their own beliefs, knowledge, comfort, and preparedness related to disability. Participants will consider common assumptions about disability, barriers to accessible and affirming care, and ethical ways to inquire about disability when it may be relevant to a client’s presenting concerns. The course will also explore practical ways therapists can support client self-determination, informed choice, and positive disability identity when working with individuals and couples.

Topics will include

• Medical, social, and human rights models of disability
• Strengths and limitations of different disability frameworks
• The influence of disability models on clinical understanding and intervention
• Clinician beliefs, assumptions, knowledge, and preparedness
• Barriers to accessible and disability-affirming therapy
• Ethical considerations when discussing disability in therapy
• Client self-determination and informed choice
• Positive disability identity
• Applications in individual and couples therapy

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Compare the strengths and limitations of multiple models of disability and explain how each may influence clinical understanding and intervention.
2. Assess personal beliefs, knowledge, and clinical preparedness related to disability, and identify ethical, disability-affirming applications in individual and couples therapy.

Who should attend

This program is designed for psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, trainees, and other mental health professionals interested in providing more informed, accessible, and disability-affirming care.

No previous training in disability studies is required.

About Lillian Audette