RTG Notices

Saturday 28th November 2026

How we work with neurodivergence in our clients - think in our modality but work differently in the room

Presented by
 
Joan Bristow
In person Workshop

Registration 9:30am
Workshop 10am - 1pm
Celebratory Lunch 1:15 - 3pm

Oakwood Centre in Woodley (RG5 4JZ)

We are delighted to let you know that our next half-Saturday workshop falls on the 40th Anniversary of The Reading Therapies Group. To celebrate this amazing milestone, we are happy to announce that the workshop will be offered for free as a special 'thank you' to all our members. Following the workshop we will also be providing a complementary lunch for all attendees, both members and non-members. We very much hope you can join us.

This workshop will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Reading Therapies Group which was founded by Jane Knowles in 1986. Jane was a much respected Chair of the Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and in establishing The Reading Therapies Group sought to bring together professionals from different modalities. Over our forty year history our members have come together to reflect, support and exchange ideas. We continue to do so and are all part of a continuing community of practitioners who have contributed to its ongoing success. Jane would be very proud of her legacy and The Reading Therapies Group achievements.

We are especially pleased that Joan Bristow, one of RTG's favourite presenters for many years will be running our Anniversary workshop in person on Saturday 28th November on the topic of 'Working with Neurodivergence in our Clients'. Joan prefers an informal, participatory style while also being very knowledgeable and thoughtful.

This will be an opportunity to mingle, connect and learn alongside colleagues with three hours of high quality CPD.

We look forward to seeing you for what promises to be an interesting workshop and a wonderful celebration.

Synopsis:'To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books'.

Manly Palmer Hall 1928.

This morning's talk will be experiential and interactive. We will explore the particular features of working with adults who are neurodivergent who present themselves for therapy.

We will explore:

  • What is autism - how we might think about autism, words we use, and how we must make adaptations to our clinical practice.
  • Find new ways of communicating with adults for whom language, self awareness, thinking and identifying feelings can be a difficult part of their lives.
  • How adaptations to our approach can help to understand the clients internal and external world, to enable clients to go into the 'library and touch more of the books'.
  • A space to explore how families and partners come to terms with their autistic child, sibling or partner.
Biography: Joan Bristow draws on 26 years of professional experience in a wide range of settings. She currently works in private practice as a psychodynamic psychotherapist. She has completed a MA on her special interest, working with adults who are neurodivergent. She is a qualified supervisor, supervising groups of counsellors and individuals within her practice. She has a keen interest in training and has led many workshops.

Members' Notices

Supervision

Low-cost additional supervision with Dasa Radovanovic, Integrative Psychotherapist, BACP Accredited; currently in the final stages of Level 6 CPCAB Supervision training. Please contact: dasartherapy@gmail.com for more details. Website: http://www.dasartherapy.com/

Intensive Psychoanalytic Training

Katka Sabova is offering five times p/w psychoanalysis in Wallingford with significantly reduced fees as part of her training at the Institute of Psychoanalysis. Two vacancies currently available. Prospective analysands will need to be able to commit to two years of treatment. This is a rare opportunity for those who are interested in intensive treatment or in pursuing psychoanalytic training. For further details please contact katka.sabova@gmail.com or call 078 5293 9039.

Therapy Room for Rent

Room to rent available in central Reading, ideal for supervision, small workshops, client sessions, or reflective meetings. The space is calm, private, with Wi-Fi, smart screen TV , tea/coffee facilities, and toilet. For further details please contact jo@adamvickers.co.uk

Gestalt Therapeutic Group

Sara Whittaker (www.wildreedtherapy.co.uk) is running a 12-week Gestalt Therapeutic Group. The group offers a safe space to explore personal experiences and relationships, fostering self-awareness and creativity. Sessions will take place on Thursdays from 6 PM to 8 PM, starting in late October, at The Studio, London Road Campus, RG1 5AQ. The cost is £360 for the full program or £30 per session. Gestalt therapy focuses on the whole person, emphasizing a balance between body, feelings, intellect, and imagination. It is a relational and interactive approach, working in the "here-and-now" through awareness experiments, creativity, and integration. Participants may gain greater self-awareness, explore identity processes, address emotional challenges, and develop strategies for personal growth. The group dynamic enhances opportunities for understanding and development. To apply, contact Sara at sara@wildreedtherapy.co.uk or call 07812 686121.

From No 5 Youth Counselling

Diploma in Counselling Young People programme starting in September with 40% fee reduction 995 pounds which including the 385 pounds CPCAB registration fee. Full information, and the application form, can be found here: https://no5.org.uk/training/no5-diploma-in-counselling-young-people-level-5/

From Mamood Ahmad, one of our previous speakers

One of our previous speakers, Mamood Ahmad, just published a new book with emphasised aspects of context, diversity and equality in therapy. . A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (Routledge books)

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A recent study revealed that 137,000 women in England and Wales are estimated to be living with the consequences of FGM. To address this issue, the Home Office is championing a proactive approach and has launched this free online FGM training package (2015). You can also visit our February 2016 talk by Fatum - by visiting the programme page and selecting her talk. The talk gives links to the relevant information and training.

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