Course Summary

Are you a mental health professional or educator who wants to better understand the mental health needs of gifted and/or twice exceptional individuals?

This 2.5 hour live online seminar will make the case that giftedness is the next big thing in the neurodiversity movement! This seminar will help mental health professionals and educators better understand the psychological needs of gifted children, adolescents and adults. Giftedness is associated with neurobiological differences in complexity, brain wiring, sensitivity and intensity as well as certain personality traits. In addition, at least 10% of gifted individuals also have a diagnosed disability, such as Autism, Learning Disorder or ADHD. Giftedness in the context of disability is often referred to as twice exceptional (2E). However, disability is often hidden or missed in giftedness and giftedness is often missed in disability. This is concerning given research suggests the combination of autism and exceptional cognitive ability is associated with at least a 6-fold increased risk for suicidal ideation (Casten et al 2023). This foundation level course, which is developed and delivered by Dr Belinda Ratcliffe (PhD Clinical Psychologist) and co-facilitated with Laura Dunne (Lecturer, Clinical Psychologist) will help translate research and resources in giftedness, twice exceptionality and mental health into practice with teaching, experiential activities and case studies.

2.5 hour 'Live/online Seminar' (pre-register for 30 days access to the live recording)

Participants will increase their knowledge, skills and confidence via teaching, experiential activities and case studies in the following areas:

  • Contemporary approaches to giftedness - the case for giftedness as the next big thing in the neurodiversity movement!

  • Complexities in the screening and identification of giftedness

  • Understanding overexcitabilities (or OE's) - the psychological and neurological “super highways” and their impact in giftedness

  • Contributors to well-being & mental ill-health in giftedness (including why big feelings, anxiety and existential depression are understandable!)

  • Giftedness and disability - complexities in screening and assessment, and impact on mental health

  • Treatment of mental -ill health in 2E individuals

  • Certificate of participation on completion of the seminar

  • Up to 3 hours of CPD for mental health professionals when you complete the seminar and all activities and reflection questions (check your individual requirements)

Event Details

  • Upcoming Date(s)

    Friday November 15th 2025

  • Time

    12-2.30pm (AEST)

  • Breaks?

    Yes! Breaks for 5-10 minutes every hour

Who is the course for?

This 2.5 hour seminar is designed for mental health professionals or educators who want to up-skill in the latest psychology of giftedness. This is a professional course - and may be relevant to those directly supporting gifted and/or 2E children, adolescents and/or adults, as well as others who want to grow their personal and professional understanding of giftedness as the next big thing in the neurodiversity movement.

  • Registered Psychologists, including provisional psychologists as well as those with Area of Practice Endorsement (or working towards) in Clinical, Health, Counselling, Educational & Developmental, school psychologists

  • Mental health professionals providing psychological care including psychotherapists and counsellors

  • Educators at all levels (including Primary & High School teachers, University Lecturers)

  • Researchers working in relevant areas associated with neurodivergence including giftedness and/or autism

Instructors

Dr Belinda Ratcliffe (Phd, Clinical Psychologist)

Dr. Belinda Ratcliffe is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She holds a PhD in Autism and Mental Health from the University of Sydney's Medical School and is a former Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University. Based in Sydney, Australia, Dr. Ratcliffe is founder of the Emotions Clinic Australia, providing compassionate and evidence-based psychological services to neurodivergent communities. Dr. Ratcliffe is deeply committed to the fields of psychology and has a particular interest in comprehensive gold standard diagnostic assessments including for Giftedness, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorder and co-occurring mental ill-health (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms) as well as high quality evidence-based mental health care in this space. Dr. Ratcliffe has spent 12 months studying the psychology of giftedness internationally and has a current interest in the application of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) for Gifted and Twice Exceptional individuals, who also experience symptoms of trauma, loss and grief. Dr. Ratcliffe is known for her warmth, rigor, and commitment to delivering evidence-based interventions. She is also a multi-award-winning researcher and published author, contributing significant insights to the field of psychology. Dr. Ratcliffe is sought after in delivering training across the Asia-Pacific. She leads therapy groups, offers clinical supervision, and holds multiple influential roles in both business and academia. Her work is driven by a deep motivation to embody and promote compassion in all aspects of her professional and personal life.

Countdown

You must pre-register to attend. Participants who pre-register will have access to live recording for 30 days

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Pricing options

FAQ

  • Is the session recorded?

    Yes. We encourage participants to attend live. However, we understand that, due to time differences, it may not be possible for you to attend this training live with us. With that in mind, the seminar will be recorded, and you'll have access to the recordings for 30 days after the course ends, to watch in your own time.

  • Can I get personal advice or advice about my specific situation?

    We warmly welcome general discussion, sharing and theme-based questions in response to content, activities, and experiential learning. As this course is for general education, we don't encourage participants to ask personal/individualised questions in the seminar about themselves or those in their care and to save this for their individual therapy or supervision.

  • Can I claim CPD for this course?

    This course would be considered CPD for most health professionals. Please check with your registration/accreditation body to see if this program is appropriate for your CPD.

  • Can I get a refund?

    We are committed to providing high-quality educational courses and programs to our participants. We understand that circumstances may arise where individuals are unable to complete or continue with a paid course they have enrolled in. To ensure fairness and transparency, we have established the following refund policy for our paid courses: If this course is cancelled 14 days prior to the start date will receive a full refund. Cancelled 5-13 days prior to the start date will be subject to a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 5 days prior to the start date will be subject to a 20% cancellation fee. No refunds are available once the course has began. Please note this course is recorded to watch up to 30 days later, so participants who are unable to attend live will be able to watch the recordings at a time that suits them.