Course Summary

Research indicates that autistic people are more likely to experience trauma and report symptoms of PTSD. Although research has yet to establish clear prevalence rates, the rates of probable PTSD in autistic people (32-45%) are significantly higher than those in the general population (4-4.5%) (Rumball et al. 2020; Rumball et al. 2021; Haruvi-Lamdan et al. 2020).

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), developed by Drs Anthony Mannarino, Judy Cohen and Esther Deblinger, is an evidence-based intervention that helps children, adolescents and their families with emotional and behavioural difficulties associated with experiences of one or more traumatic events. TF-CBT is recommended as a first line intervention for children and adolescents experiencing PTSD by Australian and international guidelines (Phoenix Australia, 2021; NICE 2018). Adaptations have been developed for utilising TF-CBT with Autistic children and adolescents experiencing trauma symptoms. This workshop will take participants through the assessment of trauma and implementation of the TF- CBT model whilst incorporating Autism sensitive adaptations throughout. To facilitate active learning, the workshop will utilise role-plays and follow case studies to highlight the application of adaptations to TF-CBT for Autistic children and adolescents.

Learning Outcomes

After attending this workshop, participants will

  • Gain an understanding of the impacts of trauma for Autistic children and adolescents

  • Learn about the evidence for TF-CBT

  • Understand the TF-CBT model and adaptations to TF-CBT for Autistic children and adolescents

  • Focus on the implementation of TF-CBT.

  • Follow case studies of Autistic children and adolescents and use role plays to practice the implementation of each TF-CBT module including assessment.

Previous feedback from this workshop in early 2023!

🙌 "Hands down best training I have attended"

"Natalie and Gavin's training was interactive and there was great group participation. The real-life examples provided were a good insight into the level of trauma some of the children and young people experience. The role plays and interactive exercises were excellent for my learning and helped consolidate my skills. Both Natalie and Gavin are very knowledgeable and inspirational with the work they do. The training was fantastic. Excellent resources, well-paced, fantastic and detailed examples, highly relevant!"

Course Overview (DAY 1)

Clinicians will increase their knowledge, skills and confidence in the application of Trauma-focused CBT to Autistic children & adolescents in a 2-day 'live' virtual workshop.

  • An overview of childhood trauma and prevalence of trauma in Autistic people

  • Review of evidence for TF-CBT including the evidence for Autism

  • Introduction to the TF-CBT model

  • Assessment of Trauma and its application to Autism

  • Learn TF-CBT skills and how to set up therapy and ‘PRACTICE’ components

  • Follow 2 case studies of Autistic children

  • Practice implementation of the TF-CBT model using case studies of Autistic children:

  • Psychoeducation

  • Affective Modulation

  • Relaxation

Course Overview (DAY 2)

  • Practice implementation of the TF-CBT model using case studies of Autistic children:

  • Thoughts, feelings, and behaviours

  • Trauma Narration

  • Cognitive Processing

  • Safety

  • Certificate of participation on completion.

  • 14 hours of CPD

Event Details

  • Upcoming Date(s)

    Wednesday 7th and Wednesday 14th MAY 2025 (spaced 1 week apart)

  • Time

    LIVE ONLINE: 9-4.30pm (AEST) **please note this workshop is delivered live/online as an interactive workshop and is NOT recorded to watch later :)

  • Breaks?

    Yes of course! - morning tea and afternoon tea (20 minutes each at 10.30am and 2.45pm) Lunch 12.30-1-15pm

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for practicing mental health clinicians with an interest in supporting autistic and other neurdivergent populations who have trauma symptoms to receive evidence-based mental health treatment. Clinicians will be eligible to attend if they have some previous experience/knowledge of trauma and previous skills and experience in working from a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) framework. Previous training/experince in TF-CBT is not essential.

  • Psychologists

  • Psychiatrists

  • Mental Health Nurses

  • Mental Health Occupational Therapists

  • Social Workers

  • Counsellors

  • Other mental health professionals with relevant previous knowledge, skills and experience

Countdown

This workshop has previously SOLD OUT.. please register early to avoid disappointment!

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Pricing options

Natalie Cabrera

Clinical Psychologist, Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Natalie is a Clinical Psychologist and an Educational and Developmental Psychologist based in Sydney. She is Director of TF-CBT Australia and Psychology Training and Supervision. Natalie has over 14 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families experiencing acute and complex mental health conditions in outpatient and inpatient public health settings. Before working in mental health services, Natalie worked in disability and child protection. After receiving initial training in TF-CBT in 2015, she went on to engage in TF-CBT training with developers Drs Anthony Mannarino and Judith Cohen in the United States in 2018. As an accredited TF-CBT Trainer, Natalie now has the privilege of training mental health clinicians throughout Australia. She also supports individuals and teams in their ongoing implementation of TF-CBT. Natalie is an Australian Psychological Society member and a board-approved supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Gavin Moffitt

Clinical Psychologist

Gavin is a Clinical Psychologist based in Sydney and Director of TF-CBT Australia and Psychology Training and Supervision. Gavin has over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families experiencing acute and complex mental health conditions in outpatient and inpatient public health settings. Gavin received initial training in TF-CBT in 2015 and, since becoming an accredited TF-CBT Trainer in 2021, has been passionate about providing training to mental health clinicians throughout Australia. Gavin is an Australian Psychological Society member and a board-approved supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.