Traditional care often finds clinicians asking themselves, “What is pathological demand avoidance?” Our care often interprets PDA (pathological demand avoidance or a pervasive drive for autonomy) profiles through a lens of non-compliance or avoidance. It misses the core neurological need for autonomy entirely.
If you have ever watched a neurodivergent client stall in therapy despite using your best “safety-first” grounding techniques, this is exactly why. We cannot build true clinical safety in a body that does not feel sensory safety.
We spent the last five years in the clinical trenches researching, failing, and fine-tuning the exact bridge between raw behavioral observation and neuroaffirming support. We’ve done the trial-and-error so you can skip the guesswork.
This intensive, 3-hour live training offers a deep dive for practitioners who demand clinical depth over surface-level buzzwords like “what is pathological demand avoidance.”
Course Details
- Date: Next session will be in the fall
- Investment: $150 per seat
- Session Time: 1 – 4 PM
- Location: Zoom
Course Objectives & Your Practical Toolkit
We are skipping the introductory definitions and going straight into actionable intervention strategies:
- Analyze the underlying neurobiology to instantly distinguish between willful non-compliance and a survival-based drive for autonomy (PDA).
- Apply collaborative problem-solving techniques to break down the perceived power dynamic and build a deeply trusted therapeutic alliance.
- Critically evaluate standard behavioral interventions to eliminate hidden demands that accidentally trigger nervous system dysregulation, leaving you with “ND-proof” tools for Monday morning.
How many CEU hours will I receive?
Participants will earn 3.0 Continuing Education (CEU) hours upon completion. A certificate of completion will be emailed to your registered address within 48 hours of the event.
Is this training compliant with Texas board requirements?
Yes. This training is designed to meet the professional development criteria for LPC, LCSW, and LMFT licenses in the State of Texas. We recommend practitioners always verify specific category requirements with their respective boards.
Will I receive a recording at the end?
Yes, you will receive a recording of the presentation at the end of the session.
Is this a virtual or in-person event?
This is a virtual event. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link after registration.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
We do not offer cash refunds for registrations. However, we understand that clinical emergencies happen. If you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the event, we will issue you a full tuition credit ($150) valid for one year. This credit can be applied toward any future CEU training or clinical consultation. Cancellations within 48 hours and “no-shows” are not eligible for credit. If the event is cancelled on our end, a 100% cash refund will be issued.
For further questions, please email us or call 469-209-9399.
*Note: Certificate of completion provided. Hours may qualify toward the portion of CE requirements permitted from non-approved sources. Participants are responsible for confirming applicability with their licensing board. Participation in this training does not substitute for appropriate supervision, credentialing, or independent competency in the subject matter.
Explore the Framework
Explore our full neuroaffirming and trauma-informed protocol to see how we prioritize sensory safety and nervous system regulation.