Emma Spencer

23/10/2024

🌟 Less Than One Week to Go! PDA Training – Not Too Late to Book! 🌟

I’m excited to share that my PDA training is just one week away! If you want to deepen your understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), this is the perfect opportunity. We’ll cover everything from the background of PDA to diagnosing PDA, and I’ll introduce a new framework for working effectively with PDA clients.

This training is ideal for anyone wanting to understand PDA better.

📅 Join us – it’s not too late to book!

🎟️

Discover the Low Demand Approach to Therapy for PDA – a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming framework to support individuals with PDA

02/10/2024

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

01/10/2024

🌟 Day 6: Collaboration in the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ 🌟

In the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™, collaboration is essential. We work closely with parents, carers, educators, and health professionals to create a unified, consistent support network for clients. By bringing everyone together, we ensure therapy doesn’t happen in isolation and that the client receives holistic, coordinated care across all aspects of their life. We also ensure that the whole support team is coming from a low demand approach.

Curious about how collaboration can transform outcomes? Join my upcoming training to learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

01/10/2024

🌟 Day 5: Domain Focused in the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ 🌟

In the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™, we take a broad, client-led approach rather than sticking to rigid skills or protocols. We look for teachable moments and opportunities to support clients organically as they arise. This helps create a more relaxed, responsive therapy environment without therapist-led agendas, allowing for natural growth and progress.

Want to explore how this flexible approach works in practice? Join my upcoming training: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

30/09/2024

🌟 Day 4: Sensitivity to the Nervous System in the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ 🌟

In the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™, we provide a low stimulating environment and pay close attention to the client's nervous system. Throughout each session, we monitor our client’s emotional and sensory regulation to ensure they remain settled and comfortable. By responding to shifts in arousal, we adjust therapy in real-time, helping clients stay regulated and engaged, preventing overwhelm.

Interested in learning more about how we apply these principles? Join my upcoming training here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

29/09/2024

🌟 Day 3: Creative & Flexible Interventions in the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ 🌟

In the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™, creativity and flexibility is important. We tailor interventions creatively, adjusting based on the client’s interests, while carefully monitoring for changes in arousal throughout the session. This allows us to adapt in real-time, ensuring clients stay regulated and feel safe. Therapy becomes a dynamic, responsive process.

Curious about how this works in practice? Stay tuned or join my training here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

27/09/2024

Day 2 of Exploring the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™: Client Autonomy ✨

In the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™, client autonomy is everything. By allowing clients to lead the way, we reduce the pressure and empower them to take control of their own progress. Therapy becomes a space for collaboration, not coercion, with the client’s needs front and centre.

Interested in learning how this principle can change therapy? Stay tuned for more this week, or join my upcoming training:

👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

26/09/2024

🌟 Exploring the Low Demand Approach™: Day 1 - Building Strong Therapeutic Relationships 🌟

Over the next 6 days, I’ll be sharing the key principles of the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ and how they foster a neuroaffirming environment, particularly for clients with a PDA profile.

Today, we begin with Principle 1. Relationship Driven—the core of this approach.

When working with neurodivergent clients, particularly those with a PDA profile, the therapeutic relationship must be built on trust and equality, where the client and therapist are equals, or even where the client leads. Language is vital too, with non-directive, respectful communication being key.

Want to dive deeper? Join my training! 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

26/09/2024

Reflecting on the Creation of the Low Demand Approach™ to Therapy

Developing the Low Demand Approach™ has been a deeply personal journey. I recognised that traditional therapy models often missed the mark when working with neurodivergent clients, particularly those with PDA. By integrating trauma-informed care, flexibility, and client autonomy, I created a framework that reduces anxiety and fosters meaningful engagement.

I'm excited to see how this approach continues to evolve and support clients.

Want to learn more? Join my upcoming training here:

Discover the Low Demand Approach to Therapy for PDA – a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming framework to support individuals with PDA

25/09/2024

Trauma-Informed Care for Autistic and PDA Clients: Supporting Neurodivergence with the Low Demand Approach 🧠 🌈

As clinicians, it’s essential to understand how trauma impacts our neurodivergent clients, especially those with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile. Trauma-informed care helps create a therapeutic environment that reduces anxiety, respects autonomy, and empowers clients to engage safely.

The Low Demand Approach to Therapy incorporates these trauma-informed principles, making it especially effective for PDA and autistic clients. By minimising pressure and fostering collaboration, we help clients feel secure and in control of their therapeutic journey.

Here’s a great article that delves into trauma-informed approaches when working with neurodivergent clients, offering valuable insights for all clinicians.

👉 Read more here: https://potentialinc.org/about-us/news/the-value-of-trauma-informed-care-in-the-treatment-of-people-with-autism/

If you're interested in learning how the Low Demand Approach applies these principles in practice, don’t forget to check out our upcoming training! More info can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets

What constitutes a traumatic event for someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? And does post-traumatic behavior manifest in ways similar to the symptoms of a typical person? As researchers begin to make inroads toward those answers, an emerging form of treatment called trauma-informed care....

24/09/2024

🌟 Introducing the Low Demand Approach to Therapy 🌟

I’m excited to share my latest blog, "How to Incorporate Low Demand Principles into Everyday Clinical Practice," where I dive into the core principles that make the Low Demand Approach so effective for neurodivergent clients, particularly those with a PDA profile. This approach helps reduce pressure in therapy, fosters autonomy, and creates a safe, inclusive environment where clients feel empowered to engage at their own pace.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to:

✍ Build strong therapeutic relationships while honouring client autonomy.

✍Incorporate flexible, client-led strategies that fit their unique needs.

✍ Collaborate with parents, carers, and other health professionals to provide holistic support.

✍ Create a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming space for clients to thrive.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://spencerhealth.com.au/how-to-incorporate-low-demand-principles-into-everyday-clinical-practice/

Additionally, I'm excited to announce that I’ve launched training on the Low Demand Approach for clinicians! If you're ready to enhance your practice with practical, client-centred strategies that support neurodivergent clients, this training is for you.

📅 Upcoming Training: 29th October 2024 @ 12pm-3pm AEST

🎟️ Secure your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of how the Low Demand Approach can transform your clinical practice!

By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Incorporating the Low Demand Approach to Therapy into everyday clinical practice can transform how we work with neurodivergent clients, especially those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This framework reduces pressure and creates an environment where c...

23/09/2024

🌟 Upcoming Training: The Low Demand Approach to Therapy for PDA 🌟

Are you a clinician looking to better support your neurodivergent clients, particularly those with a profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? My upcoming training on the Low Demand Approach is designed to provide practical, client-centered strategies that reduce pressure and foster meaningful engagement.

This training will explore how to:

✏ Build strong therapeutic relationships while respecting client autonomy.

✏ Adapt existing therapeutic models like CBT, DBT, and ACT to suit clients with PDA.

✏ Incorporate trauma-informed and neuroaffirming practices into your everyday work.

✏ Collaborate effectively with parents, carers, educators, and other health professionals to provide holistic, consistent support.

This training is ideal for psychologists, speech therapists, OTs, behaviour therapists, paediatricians, psychiatrists and any other clinician working with neurodivergent clients.

📅 Date and Time: 29th October 2024; 12-3pm AEDT

📍 Location: Online

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-low-demand-approach-to-therapy-for-pda-tickets-1021412892457

Spots are limited, so secure your spot today and join us in creating a more neuroaffirming approach to therapy!

Discover the Low Demand Approach to Therapy for PDA – a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming framework to support individuals with PDA

19/09/2024

How the Low Demand Approach Aligns with Trauma-Informed Care 🌟

Trauma-informed care emphasises safety, empowerment, and healing—values that are at the heart of the Low Demand Approach to Therapy for our clients with a PDA profile. Many neurodivergent clients, particularly those with a PDA profile, have experienced trauma as a result of daily demands and societal pressures. For them, traditional therapy approaches can feel overwhelming, triggering, or even re-traumatising.

The Low Demand Approach is rooted in the principles of trauma-informed care, creating a therapeutic space that is:

✨ Safe and non-threatening: Clients are given autonomy and control over their therapy process, reducing the pressure they feel and allowing them to engage at their own pace.

✨ Sensitive to emotional and sensory needs: We closely monitor the client’s emotional window of tolerance, ensuring that therapy remains a safe space where clients feel understood, not pushed.

✨ Collaborative, not directive: By working alongside the client, the Low Demand Approach fosters trust and helps reduce feelings of anxiety, allowing for healing and meaningful engagement.

For clinicians in all fields—psychologists, OTs, speech therapists, paediatricians, psychiatrists and other medical specialists—incorporating these trauma-informed principles is essential to truly support neurodivergent clients.

Take a look at our infographic to learn more about how the Low Demand Approach to Therapy complements trauma-informed care!

19/09/2024

Why I Developed the Six Principles of the Low Demand Approach in My Practice 🌿🌈

Over the years, I’ve found that traditional therapies like CBT, DBT, ACT, and social skills training can often feel overwhelming for my neurodivergent clients, particularly those with a PDA profile. While I knew the tools in my therapeutic toolkit were valuable for these clients, it became essential to adapt and apply them in a way that felt non-threatening and accessible.

That's why I’ve developed the Low Demand Approach to Therapy for clients with a PDA profile.

The approach is built on six core principles that ensure therapy remains flexible, client-led, and safe for those who are often highly sensitive to demands.

Here’s why it is so helpful for clinicians from all disciplines—whether you’re a psychologist, speech therapist, medical specialist or occupational therapist:

✏️ It offers autonomy: Clients decide how and when to engage in therapy, making it less intimidating.
✏️It’s trauma-informed: We keep track of the client’s emotional tolerance, adjusting therapy to match their needs.
✏️Language matters: I’ve found that using non-directive language eases anxiety and builds trust.
✏️Collaboration is key: This approach is all about working with the client, not telling them what to do.
✏️Skills are taught gently: Core skills like emotional regulation are introduced without pressure.
✏️Flexibility reigns: No more rigid protocols—therapy evolves based on the client’s comfort and readiness.

These principles have helped me apply existing therapies in a way that truly meets my clients where they are.

If you’re a clinician looking for new ways to support your clients—whether in psychology, OT, or speech therapy—this approach is worth exploring! Keep an eye out for info about upcoming training in the approach!