Overview

The APS hosts this webinar with the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

Having difficulty getting things done is a common issue our clients bring to therapy. Much more than “laziness” or procrastination, being unable to complete everyday tasks is often related to neurobiological differences in executive functioning: the mental skills that support planning, prioritising, initiating and switching between tasks, maintaining attention, controlling impulses, problem-solving, time management, and working memory. 

Difficulties with executive functioning define ADHD, are common among Autistic people, and is one of many neurobiological impacts of complex trauma, contributing to self-criticism, a pervasive sense of failure, lower motivation, mood, and anxiety. Unhelpful suggestions such as “Use a diary” combined with believing they must simply “pull themselves up by the bootstraps” exacerbate the problems. Executive functioning difficulties can also limit the effectiveness of therapy when clients are unable to complete the tasks you’ve agreed.

This practical webinar will provide participants with strategies to address difficulties with executive functioning in adults. These strategies accommodate and harness neurodivergent differences, challenge neuronormative expectations, encourage clients to ask for help, alleviate self-criticism, and let go of the harmful “bootstrap mentality.” Participants will also learn how to adapt their therapeutic approach to meet the needs of clients with these difficulties to enhance their effectiveness.

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those with some prior learning on the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

On-demand webinar recording.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• describe how executive functioning difficulties relates problems with mental health, goal attainment, health and well-being, emotion regulation, and self-criticism,

• support clients to overcome difficulties with executive functioning using novel and innovative solutions that harness neurodivergent strength and challenge normative expectations, and

• integrate strategies to scaffold executive functioning in clients and maximise the effectiveness of therapy.

Presenter(s)

Jennifer Kemp MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Jennifer Kemp (she/her) is a Clinical Psychologist based in Adelaide who juggles private practice with research, writing, presenting, and providing supervision. In her private practice, Jennifer uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach to help her clients improve their mental health, develop self-compassion, alleviate burnout, and build greater self-acceptance. Jennifer weaves together contextual behavioural approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) informed by her lived experience of neurodivergence. Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and experienced trainer. She is co-author of “The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate” and author of “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills.”