Join us for a webinar with Brandi Olden – Eating Disorder and Pediatric Dietitian and Mom of PDA’er

When we feel badly, it isn’t only in our minds or in our behaviors–but in our bodies that the pain is found.  When that pain comes–in whole or in part–from unresolved trauma, our bodies are a powerful site for recovery.  Learn about the body’s role in how we feel and how we heal through the practice of Somatic Experiencing.

• Explore some of the science of mind-body connection
• Learn to feel the shifting state of your nervous system response–before you’re too charged to make a change
• Connect to yourself through practice shifting from thought to body sensation

BIO: Brandi Olden, a seasoned Registered Dietitian at Creating Peace with Food, LLC, wears many hats—including Nutrition Therapist, Supervisor, Parent Coach, and Speaker. She applies over 20 years of experience to empower clients to break free from diet culture and trust their innate body wisdom through trauma informed approaches such as Liberation Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Health At Every Size (HAES), Responsive Feeding Therapy, and Intuitive Eating. Brandi’s personal experiences of living with ADHD and autoimmune disorders and being a parent to an AudHD-PDA, non-binary teenager, enhance her empathetic approach. She specializes in supporting neurodivergent grownups and children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and eating disorders while also providing clinical supervision & training to medical & mental health professionals and educators. Beyond work, she’s a Meditation Teacher and Reiki Master, adding a sprinkle of zen to her clinical practice. Brandi delivers her all to clients, crafting healing paths as unique as their relationships with food and their bodies—because you absolutely can have your cake and eat it too. www.creatingpeacewithfood.com

Join us for a webinar with Christine MacInnis, MSed, MS, LMFT 

Since PDA is understood to be sympathetic nervous system response (fight/fight) to one’s threat to their autonomy, the therapeutic healing effects of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) can be greatly effective in supporting a PDA’er with the trauma they experience from others who do not understand them. It can also be useful for caregiver’s as well to reduce their emotional reactions which also can be routed in their own trauma. Let’s take a deep dive into how EMDR can help from a certified and approved consultant EMDR therapist with EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association).

This will be recorded and sent to you after the event within 48hrs.

BIO: 

Christine MacInnis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Transcends Family Therapy in Torrance, CA. She has been providing neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed EMDR therapy in her private practice for 8 years. Previously she was a school counselor in local schools for over 25 years so she had extensive experience with families and youth. www.transcendstherapy.com

Are you new to learning about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy)?  Want a refresher on what PDA is and how to best accommodate it? Are you a teacher or practitioner looking to learn more about a learner or client?

You’ve found the right place. This is a monthly webinar led by PDA North America founder and licensed therapist, Diane Gould and adult PDAer, Brook Madera of No Pressure PDA. This webinar is for families, individuals and professionals who have recently heard of PDA (pathological demand avoidance) and want to know more. Diane will do an hour long presentation and answer questions at the end should time allow. Participants are also welcome to attend our regular monthly webinars.

Held the first Thursday each month for 90 minutes at 7:00PM CST. Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded and available to all after the live event. $15 suggested donation.

PDA North America Training Program – Level 2

Join us on January 24th for the Level 2 PDA North America Training Program created by team of autistic experts. This course was created for professionals only. Led by Diane Gould, Founder of PDANA and LCSW, Zach Morris, Education Consultant & Homeschool Advisor, and Sandra McConnell, Certified PDA Trainer and Parent Consultant.

In this training we will discuss anecdotal cases and/or students and give you an activity to complete during your training.

The training will take place via Zoom and will NOT be recorded. All ticket purchasers must attend this live in order to receive the certificate of completion.

Join us virtually or in-person for our 6th annual PDA North America Conference with hundreds of others looking to deepen their understanding and support of PDA people. 

This conference is created for parents/caregivers & family members of PDA autistic individuals, professionals working with PDA people, and PDAers themselves.