Anxiety & Neurodiversity Group Workshop
For Teens & Young Adults
WINTER 2023 | Live & Online | 6 Weeks
Mondays: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
4:30-6:00 pm PT (7:30-9:00 pm ET)
Designed to bring together and support neurodivergent teens and young adults who struggle with anxiety.
Gain tools, insight, practice and peer connections to help you better manage anxiety and live with more confidence on your personal journey to, and through, adulthood.
NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE
REGISTER NOW
6-Week, Small Group Workshop
Each session will include a short, 10 minute lesson/overview of discussion topic, live and interactive discussions with their peers, break-out rooms and coping strategies to equip teens and young adults for living with more success and confidence!
Workshop Goals
Learn the Science Behind Neurodiversity & Anxiety
Dr.'s Mike and Sharon will cover the science behind neurodiversity and anxiety. You'll learn how neurodivergent individuals specifically can be more vulnerable to anxiety–including social anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, depression and more. They will guide the group through discussions on managing anxious and ruminating thoughts and teach effective strategies to help.
Connect & Collaborate with Neurodivergent Peers
It is estimated that 30-40% of teenagers (perhaps twice as high in g/2e teens) struggle with anxiety, and that number has dramatically increased over the last few years due to the pandemic and other existential issues. Workshop participants will meet others who can relate to and learn from their challenges and experiences. You'll connect together in live and interactive small groups (no more than 15 participants in each group) to learn, discuss their challenges, and develop strategies to tackle their anxiety.
Learn How to Better Live & Cope with Anxiety
This workshop is specifically designed to help you or your child identify the sources of stress and anxiety. Group members will also learn practical strategies for coping and living with anxiety. Dr.'s Mike and Sharon will lead and guide them through developing a personalized plan so that they can live with more self-confidence, boldness and success that may enable them to truly achieve their potential.
Meet Your Instructors
Dr. Michael Postma, Ed.D.
Hello! I'm Dr. Mike Postma, an educator, speaker, author, consultant and coach residing in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Together with my wife, Julie, we have raised our own 4 gifted/2e children and know how difficult this journey can be. That is one reason I have dedicated my life work to the holistic development of the gifted/2e community. In my 25+ year career, I've served as a Gifted Teacher in the classroom, as an Administrator of gifted schools, as a professional developer of gifted programming and curriculum and as Executive Director of the SENG organization (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted), and now leading our new company Gifted & Thriving, LLC. I look forward to spending time together with you to learn how we can best teach and support this exceptional community so we can all move from a place of just surviving to THRIVING! I look forward to the journey with you! Learn more about Dr. Mike Postma and his family.
Dr. Sharon Saline, Psy.D.
Sharon Saline, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD Solution Card Deck specializes in working with kids, young adults and families living with ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health issues. Her unique perspective – as a sibling in an ADHD home, combined with decades of experience as a clinical psychologist and educator/clinician consultant – assists her in guiding families and adults towards effective communication and closer connections. She lectures and facilitates workshops internationally on topics such as understanding ADHD, executive functioning, anxiety, different kinds of learners and the teen brain. Dr. Saline is a regular contributor to ADDitudemag.com and PsychologyToday.com, a featured expert on MASS Appeal on WWLP-TV and a part-time lecturer at the Smith School for Social Work. Learn more at www.drsharonsaline.com.
Testimonials
Past Participant, Age 14
"I made a new, like-minded 'weird' friend - who gets me and is just as 'weird' as me! It's one of the first real friend connections I've had."
Past Participant, Age 15
"I really enjoyed this group. I struggle with a lot of anxiety, and to be able to connect with others my age who also struggle with this really helped me. I learned a lot, and made some new friends too!"
Past Participant, Age 18
"I think the biggest benefit I got from this workshop was being able to talk through my struggles and get help and ideas from the group on how to better cope. It was very comforting."
Weekly Session Topics
Session 1
An Introduction to Neurodiversity
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Learn the definition of neurodiversity
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Explore how the brain grows and develops differently, and why it is wired for anxiety
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Create our own definitions of neurodiversity and examine how it affects everybody differently
Session 2
The Link Between Anxiety and the Brain
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Define and discuss what anxiety is and how it affects the body
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Understand the roles of sensory integration, the limbic system and executive functioning skills in anxiety and fear
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Talk about why reassurance from others fails to reduce anxiety, and how curiosity is more effective
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Develop better awareness about the effects of our anxiety on others
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Introduce and practice body scan and mindfulness exercises
Session 3
Different Types of Anxiety
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Examine different types of anxiety, key symptoms and diagnostic clarifications
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Identify tools to improve motivation and productivity
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Practice exercises designed to improve coping strategies for these challenges
Session 4
Tackling Social Anxiety
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Discuss social anxiety and describe it's impact on group members
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Break down issues caused by peer pressure, dating, bullying, presentations, communication with parents, and crowds
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Redefine what 'social success' means for neurodivergent individuals, and how to live without judgment
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Examine effective responses to awkward social situations and interpersonal insecurities
Session 5
Resilience and Rebuilding
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Discuss definitions of positive self-image
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Identify personal strengths and talents
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Reduce negative thinking about individual challenges with learning, attention and anxiety
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Design more positive, affirming self-talk about living with anxiety, and the ability to reduce stress and frustration
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Explore what resilience looks like, and how to nurture it
Session 6
Wrap-up, Questions and Take-Aways
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Summarize lessons from previous sessions, and discuss any ongoing questions
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Review coping mechanisms, calming techniques and positive self-talk for responding to and managing anxiety
Foster Confidence and Connections
Register to join us today!
Teens & Young Adults Group (Ages 15-20+)
Mondays: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
4:30-6:00 pm PT (7:30-9:00 pm ET)
...Anxious about joining?
We get it!
If you/your teen don't want to be on camera or engage in discussions at first, THAT'S OKAY.
We want you to feel safe and supported as the group moves through the process of building strategies and confidence together.
In addition, parents of kids in the teens group are welcome to join sessions with them if that is more comfortable for the teen.
We want to ensure that this is a calm, reassuring and supportive experience for all group members. Please let us know of any accommodations that could help make that possible.
Have a question?
Write to Drs. Mike & Sharon:
