Come join us at the Systemic Practice Conference 2024 - a hybrid event organised by Hayaa' Network Pte. Ltd., in collaboration with Counselling & Care Centre, Singapore.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
Dr Marwa Azab, USA
Ms. Nora Bateson, SWEDEN
Ms. Maimunah Mosli, SINGAPORE
Dr Mairi Evans, UK
14 CPD Hrs FOR SAC MEMBERS
OPEN TO ALL: Social Service, Healthcare & HR Practitioners, Families & YOU!
CONFERENCE FEES
In Collaboration with:
Organised by:
2 Full Days Event: $388.00 1 Full Day Event: $228.00
Student Rate (2 days): $150.00 Online Access (2 days): $248.00 Post Conference Workshop: $288.00
26 - 28 February 2024 Monday - Wednesday
**Price in SGD, subject to prevailing GST; PCG applicants, please apply under the PCG Non-Pre-Approved route
9AM - 5PM (GMT +8) Daily e2i West, Devan Nair Institute 80 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609607
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CONFERENCE PAGE!
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness CONFERENCE DAY 1: KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
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Monocropping of Perception & Ecology of Perception Nora Bateson (Sweden)
Autism, Oughtism and Oughtistic Narratives in the Lives of Autistic People and their Families Dr Mairi Evans (UK)
14 CPD Hrs FOR SAC MEMBERS
Organised by:
In Collaboration with:
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
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KEYNOTE: THE NEURODIVERSE BRAIN: ADHD, HSP & ANXIETY
Dr. Azab's keynote on neurodiversity unveils a nuanced exploration of how neurodivergent individuals perceive and interact with the world. Beyond the conventional deficit models, neurodiversity is presented as a lens to appreciate diverse neural and cognitive processes. Dr. Azab dissects brain networks associated with three types of neurodivergent minds: highly sensitive personalities, ADHD, and social anxiety. The keynote extends to practical applications, emphasizing advocacy for neurodiversity acceptance and providing insights into designing environments that foster the thriving of neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Azab's presentation is a valuable guide for professionals aiming to embrace neurodiversity as a transformative paradigm for organizational and societal advancement, promoting inclusivity and harnessing the unique strengths of diverse minds.
Dr. Azab is currently teaching for the Psychology department at Cal State University, Long Beach. She has also taught for the Biology department at University of California, Irvine (UCI). Dr. Azab has a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Neuroscience. She writes for Psychology Today, and also has her own blog is called “Neuroscience in Everyday Life”. Dr. Azab has spoken all over the United States, Canada and Singapore. Outside of academia, she has given talks to listeners of all age groups. To date, she has delivered five TEDx talks, her most recent TEDx talk was titled “Are you highly sensitive? Should you change?”. Dr. Azab has been interviewed on the radio and various media outlets such as Vice magazine, The Daily Beast, The Guardian, Vogue Magazine, NPR, LAist, BBC and the 49ers. Dr. Azab believes that only through interdisciplinary approaches can we understand the complex intersections of biology, genetics, brain function, life events, ethnicity, gender, and other factors of human experience. She has trained hundreds of mental health professionals on anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder. Her academic research also focuses on anxiety disorders. In her contexts, Dr. Azab is a community advocate for mental health and has conducted numerous workshops at many mosques to reduce stigma.
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SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
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KEYNOTE: MONOCROPPING OF PERCEPTION AND ECOLOGY OF PERCEPTION
When we think of neurotypical and neurodivergent descriptions, what is being obscured?
Neuro-divergent: is a response to many aspects of changes life and living has to offer.
Change, learning, healing, new ways of living - these are the banners of the era of polycrisis. As families, communities and cultures are faced with struggles from many contexts, the call for systemic change grows ever more urgent. Economic, political, ecological, technological, health and mental health crises are saturating our daily lives. And yet, even as the cry for change grows more intense, there is a paradoxical attachment to the idea that there is a definable way of being that is what can be called, “normal” or “healthy” - Like the way monocropping agriculture produces high yields while destroying the soil and future generations of harvest… What if what is most needed right now is the precious possibility of seeing things from other perspectives brought by those whose perceptions are different? What if what has been normalized is actually obscuring the necessary ecologies of multiple forms of perception that are necessary for mutual on-going learning? There are many ways to perceive the world around us. If you had been born 15,000 years ago, what sorts of daily experiences would you have been sensitized to? What would your hands spend the day holding, making? Likewise, people from other cultures or generations have vastly differing perceptions of the world from each other. Perhaps the stretch to commune with people who perceive the world differently brings vital new learning into what is possible to perceive. We need an ecology of perceptions to bring vitality to our lives today, and to future generations. Join me in our efforts to rewire our perceptions that can broaden our ‘perceiving’ and knowing of difference…
Nora Bateson, is an award-winning filmmaker, research designer, writer, educator, international lecturer, as well as founder and Director of Research and Exhibition of the International Bateson Institute, based in Sweden. She is also the creator of warm data, and warm data practices. She wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary, ‘An Ecology of Mind’, a portrait of her father, Gregory Bateson. Nora’s speaking engagements include keynote addresses and lectures at international conferences and universities on a wide range of topics that span the fields of anti-fascism, ecology, education, the arts, family therapy, leadership, and many more aspects of advocacy for living systems — she travels between conversations in different fields bringing multiple perspectives into view to reveal larger patterns. Her first book, ‘Small Arcs of Larger Circles’, released by Triarchy Press, UK, 2016 is a revolutionary personal approach to the study of systems and complexity. In her latest book, ‘Combining’, Nora invites us into an ecology of communication where nothing stands alone, and every action sets off a chain of incalculable consequences. She challenges conventional fixes for our problems, highlighting the need to tackle issues at multiple levels, understand interdependence, and embrace ambiguity.
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SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness KEYNOTE: AUTISM, OUGHTISM AND OUGHTISTIC NARRATIVES IN THE LIVES OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES
Our lives and the lives of those around us are informed by an ever changing patchwork of stories. Some are helpful stories which enable us to live our lives in rich and rewarding ways, other stories can create barriers and obstacles, or enslave us in unhelpful ways. Autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity have many stories attached to them. These stories are informed by science, by medicine, by drug companies, by people with lived experience, by assessors and the assessed. There is much debate about the benefit of these stories, who owns them and if they should be there at all. With a particular focus on autism, in her presentation Mairi will examine the power of the stories told about autism and its diagnosis, or not diagnosis. She will explore the impact of ‘oughtisms’ on the lives of autistic people and their families and she will invite you to challenge the myth of the autism specialist and the barriers that this can create for autistic people and their families.
Dr. Mairi Evans is a Systemic Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Clinical Director and Neurodiversity Lead, currently working within the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Mairi has worked across a number of contexts in the UK including Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Social Care, Systemic Teaching and Training, and Specialist Neurodevelopmental Services. She also has a Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice in which the focus of her studies was the experience of autism diagnosis for the mothers of autistic girls. Mairi is an organising member of the System Autism Conference Group in the UK and is an advocate for neuro- inclusive practice and the improved access to all aspects of healthcare for neurodivergent people. Mairi is a member of a neurodiverse family and is informed by both her lived, and her professional experiences.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
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CONFERENCE DAY 2: PRACTICE INTRA-ACTION!
Diverse Minds, Inclusive Workplaces: Maximizing the Potential of Neurodivergent Talent Counselling & Care Centre (Singapore) Neurodiversity and Food[ing] Heiko Specking (Switzerland) & Tasneem Noor (Singapore) Navigating Neurodivergence: A Compassionate Exploration of Challenges Encountered Along the Journey Counselling & Care Centre (Singapore) Inside the Practitioner’s Lens: Unveiling Systemic Trauma-Informed Care (STIC) in Supporting Neurodivergent Families MWS Family Service Centre Yishun (Singapore)
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
NEURODIVERSITY & FOOD[ING]
Hey there! Have you ever stopped to ponder the fascinating connection between food in general and neurodiversity in particular? It's something most of us share, isn't it? But have you ever wondered what kind of food is truly essential (or nurturing) and what kind can really make our neurodivergent selves go wild with excitement? Well, get ready to embark on a truly explorative journey with us in this conference segment, where food[ing] will be the focus! Imagine a feast for the senses, where we not only explore the flavors, but also the textures that intertwine with our unique neurodivergent experiences. Get ready to embrace the joy of rediscovering the vibrant colors of fruits and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies, all while uncovering the extraordinary world of sensory connections within our meals. And that's not all! In this conference segment, we willl go beyond the ordinary and invite you to engage in hands-on activities that connect the dots between what's on our plates and how it can shape our cognitive landscapes. But wait, there's more! We'll also have heartwarming discussions about the rich tapestry of culinary traditions and how they can play a crucial role in creating a neuroinclusive approach to nutrition. So get ready for a space filled with warmth, inspiration, and a shared commitment to nurturing both body and mind. Let's come together and create an unforgettable experience that goes beyond mere information.
It's an invitation to savor the richness of the food-neurodiversity connection.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
PRESENTERS’ BIOGRAPHY
With an unwavering passion for the culinary arts and a proven track record of over 14 years in the industry, Tasneem Noor is a trailblazing culinary visionary and a neurodivergent entrepreneurial force. Co-founder and Managing Director of Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro since its establishment in 2009, Tasneem has etched her mark on the bustling heart of Kampong Glam. Her journey encompasses not only the iconic Fika but also the successful expansion into Konditori, the first halal European bakery in Singapore, and Lickety, a dessert paradise. Tasneem has a keen eye and interest in health, wellness and all things food. A certified personal trainer, she embraces the importance of self-improvement and diversification. Her journey is not only a testament to her entrepreneurial prowess, but also an inspiration to neurodivergent individuals aspiring to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
Heiko Specking (Switzerland) is the founding Director of specking+partners based in Zurich. With over 30 years of experience in enabling long-term thinking and the exploration of new pathways towards change, he specializes in combining regenerative thinking, the new role of philanthropy with social- environmental investment practices. Passionate about transformation and the evolutionary sparkles, Heiko is personally very interested in issues like food availability and quality, regenerative agriculture, clean water, and a plastic- free world. A relationship weaver by heart, he supports the emergence of communities and consequently resilient systems that are aligned with both nature and humans thriving. As a certified warm data lab host with the International Bateson Institute, with a particular interest in the dynamics of transformation, Heiko is tending to the questions of: How do we learn? How does change happen? How are systems related and depended of each other? How can people better collaborate in order to discover new pathways towards transformation? The incredible beauty and abundance of our living planet has always fascinated him; Heiko sees Biodiversity as a key to sustain nature and our environment but also essential for a thriving economy and well-being. It is alive and follows the path of evolutionary development and growth; he enjoys learning from its functionality, interwovenness and complexity.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
DIVERSE MINDS, INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES: MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF NEURODIVERGENT TALENT
Prepare for a dynamic experience with Dr Chua Wei Bin and Mr Darrel Deval Lourdes! These experienced practitioners will be diving deep into the extraordinary contributions neurodivergent individuals offer to teams - think innovation, fresh perspectives, and unique problem-solving. This session isn't just about theory. Discover practical tools and insights that showcase how embracing neurodiversity translates into heightened creativity and productivity. From fostering a supportive work environment to breaking down misconceptions, this conference segment will be delving deep into the essentials of creating an inclusive workspace. Picture a workplace where diversity isn't just acknowledged but celebrated - a space where each unique mind is an asset, contributing to a vibrant and thriving professional ecosystem. Join us in reshaping the narrative, breaking down barriers, and embracing the undeniable power of neurodivergent talent for success in the modern workplace.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
PRESENTERS’ BIOGRAPHY
Dr Chua Wei Bin has more than 20 years of management experience in various non-profit settings, ranging from both social services to health care settings. He is a passionate and driven leader who believes in building teams to achieve results. He is a proven social service innovator and has started numerous programmes to meet the needs of many. Projects such as Com-Net, Bakery Hearts and Transition+ were pioneered by him. Dr Chua is also a trained social worker and family therapist who is adept in working with families and individuals facing various challenges. His current area of interest is looking at ways in which medical and social care could be integrated to promote better continuum of care. In his PhD studies, Dr Chua using Grounded theory to develop the theory of “Dual processing” as way to understand how different members of the family deal with the chronic illness experience.
Meet Darrel Deval Lourdes , a seasoned professional with a diverse background in counseling, family therapy, and human resources. Armed with a license in counseling from Malaysia, Darrel's journey includes training under the esteemed Professor Maurizio Andolfi, earning a Graduate Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy, and securing a master's in counseling. Currently steering the Andolfi Family Therapy Center, Darrel champions multi- generational family therapy in Malaysia. Simultaneously, he wears the hat of Managing Director at HR Best Practices, lending his expertise to organizations like GAMUDA and B.Braun. In the corporate arena, Darrel's impact is palpable. As the former HR Director at Shell Malaysia Limited, he played a pivotal role in the success of the country's oldest oil and gas company. Additionally, his stint as Global Talent Manager at Shell Netherlands saw him spearheading global talent strategies. Darrel also spent over two decades at Intel Technology, as the HR Director of the Kulim operations. Beyond his professional prowess, Darrel is a dedicated advocate, seamlessly blending counseling, family therapy, and human resources to make a lasting impact on both individual well-being and organizational success.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
NAVIGATING NEURODIVERGENCE: A COMPASSIONATE EXPLORATION OF CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE JOURNEY This conference segment delves into the complexities of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. Through insightful case examples, this session aims to shed light on the intricate landscape of assessment and intervention for neurodivergent clients. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges that may arise during these processes. The session further introduces systemic and therapeutic assessment approaches tailored to effectively navigate these challenges, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, the discussion will extend to the mental health challenges intertwined with neurodivergence, providing a comprehensive exploration that contributes to the ongoing dialogue on compassionate and holistic care for neurodivergent individuals.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY
Ms Ang Xin Ying is an accomplished Senior Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2016. Currently serving as a Senior Psychologist at the Counselling and Care Centre since June 2021, she brings a wealth of expertise in providing psychological support to individuals and families. As a registered psychologist, she believes in providing a safe, therapeutic space to support clients to be curious and compassionate towards themselves. Her approach encourages clients to explore and discover more about themselves, fostering authentic relationships with their loved ones. She is dedicated to creating an environment that promotes self-discovery, growth, and healing.
During her free time, Xinying enjoys being with nature, including activities such as gazing at waterfalls and hiking. She is an avid reader and finds pleasure in watching dramas, movies, and anime. These interests not only contribute to her personal well- being but also enrich her perspective, enhancing her ability to connect with clients on various levels. With a career spanning diverse roles and responsibilities, Xinying continues to be a dedicated professional, committed to promoting mental health and well-being in the community. Her holistic approach and genuine passion for empowering others make her an invaluable asset in the field of psychology.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
INSIDE THE PRACTITIONER’S LENS: UNVEILING SYSTEMIC TRAUMA-INFORMED
CARE (STIC) IN SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT FAMILIES
Step into the world of primary caregivers for neurodivergent children, where challenges like burnout, grief, and chronic stress create a tapestry of complexities. The Methodist Welfare Services Family Service Centre (Yishun) has unwrapped the STIC approach, as a practice approach to attend to these intricacies systemically. This approach not only acknowledges the complexities but sharpens practitioner responsiveness to the nuanced traumas faced by caregivers and their neurodivergent charges. The segment will highlight MWS FSC (Yishun)’s research process, where the team had journeyed into the heart of systemic interventions, delving into their trauma-informed nature, the practitioner's congruence with the STIC approach, and the pulse of practitioners' perceptions regarding STIC's impact on caregivers. Aside from sharing their research findings, the team of presenters also hopes to co-construct an enriching dialogical space with conference attendees on STIC practice and how it intersects with caregiving of neurodivergent children. This segment isn't just an exploration; it's an invitation to join a narrative of resilience, innovation, and transformation. Take a front-row seat as we illuminate the successes and reveal the untapped potential of the STIC approach in navigating the intricate world of neurodivergent caregiving.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
PRESENTERS’ BIOGRAPHY
Daniel Lopez is a social worker with varied experiences in the field ranging from working with troubled youths, multi-stressed families, including disabilities and persons who experience and perpetuate violence. Coupled with this range, he is keenly interested in data, trends, and clinical developments of social work practice. In his work, he has done evaluations of group work practice, co- authored a published paper about ex- offenders in Singapore which was published in Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research, guest lectured about his community development projects in SUSS and was asked to be a contributor on CNA 938, CNA, and NUS about family violence issues in Singapore. He believes that being trauma- informed whilst being systemically fluent emphasizes the importance of prorating human relationships while collaboratively delivering assistance to those in need.
Bharathi Manogaran is an accomplished Social Worker with extensive experience in clinical and leadership roles. She possesses exceptional skills in Family Therapy, Non-profit Program Development and Management, Early Intervention, as well as expertise in Family Violence and Child Mental Health. Bharathi is deeply passionate about the supervision and training of young Social Workers, demonstrating a commitment to fostering the growth and development of emerging professionals in the field. Her dedication to making a positive impact is evident in her work, reflecting a strong commitment to the well-being of families and individuals within the community. On top of being the Head of Center for MWS Yishun, Bharathi’s impactextends beyond the FSC, into the community. She has been invited to multiple national and community engagements including engagement with students from NUS and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, community events organised by Singapore Prison Services, and national programmes on prominent channels such like CNA and Vasantham. Bharathi is a firm believer of trauma-informed care. She champions and nurtures the social workers in and by the approach in the FSC she is leading.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
PRESENTERS’ BIOGRAPHY
Syasya Firzanah Binte Roslee is a seasoned social worker with experience in mental health, elderly care, and community and family settings. Her impactful career includes providing supervision and training to junior colleagues, prioritizing worker well-being, and fostering a healthy workplace environment. Beyond her professional role, Syasya is a devoted mother to a neurodivergent child, a journey that has been featured on Singaporean news platforms. Her commitment to both professional excellence and personal advocacy showcases her as a compassionate and resilient figure in the social work field. Syasya's dedication to promoting well- being, coupled with her insights and experience, positions her as a valuable asset in shaping positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Nur Razeenah is a social worker with extensive years of experience in Singapore, she brings forth a rich tapestry of expertise to the field. Having worked in medical, community, and child protection, her journey involves skillfully navigating a myriad of cases, from addressing risks, ensuring safety, to supporting those facing homelessness and mental health challenges. At the forefront of the intake process and case assignments in the Family Service Center she serves, her commitment shines through, providing compassionate and impactful support. With a heart for mentorship, she graciously guides junior workers through individual and group supervision, while as a key senior team member, she delicately weaves invaluable insights to enhance the overall effectiveness of the team.
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
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AS IT IS
Come and join us for a fascinating gallery walk on neurodivergent individuals! Delve into their world, where their thoughts flow at lightning speed and their minds engage in recursive and looping patterns. The ‘As It Is’ spotlight sessions invite you to witness the depth of emotions & journey of self- discovery of neurodivergent individuals. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity.
Unravelling Medical Narrative Within Neurodivergent Lens Nafeesa Nizami (UK) Psychotherapist, Consultant & Social Activist Neuro-Kaleidoscope: Embracing the Spectrum of Minds Fajariah Saban (Singapore) Clinical Consultant & Psychotherapist
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
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POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 28 FEB 2024, 10AM - 5PM (GMT +8) (FEES: SGD 288.00) 7 CPD HRS FOR SAC MEMBERS “Transformative Practice with Neurodivergent Individuals and their Families”
Workshop Objectives: To empower participants to be confident in their practice and interaction with neurodivergent individuals and their families; To discuss and apply the intersectionality of neurodiversity with cultural contexts; To identify effective neurodiversity-affirming practices towards developing inclusive practitioners who are able to attend to individuals with diverse neurological profiles.
WORKSHOP TRAINERS
SYSTEMIC PRACTICE CONFERENCE Unveiling Minds : A Revolution in Mental Health & Neurodivergent Wellness
ORGANISED BY:
6993 4080 / 9271 2156
Hayaa’ Network
https://tinyurl.com/hayaanetwork
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
6536 6366
Counselling & Care Centre
https://counsel.org.sg
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