Abstract

Counselling for Asperger Couples is the first book to provide a complete model for counselling couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome (AS).

The book provides details of the seven different stages of the model and includes anecdotal evidence from clients who have used it and whose relationships have been greatly helped by it. The author explains the importance of initial separate counselling and describes the co-counselling process, using case studies to demonstrate how the process works. The book offers a wealth of valuable advice on improving communication and cooperation and includes photocopiable activity sheets that couples can fill in and use to help understand each other better. Strategies and visual aids are also offered for dealing with or preventing anticipated future miscommunications.

Based on considerable experience, this book will be invaluable for counsellors treating couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome, or for couples that want to improve their relationship but may not have access to counselling. It will also be useful to teachers wanting better communication with AS pupils or parents wanting better communication with an AS child.

Barrie Thompson has been working as a Relate Couple Therapist since 1995. Since completing his Masters Degree in Couple Therapy in 2003 he has specialised in dealing with couples experiencing difficulty either because one partner has AS, or due to a child or young person in the family having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He has regularly shared his expertise on Asperger counselling by giving presentations to, and running workshops for, many organisations including Relate, Autism West Midlands and the Central London Samaritans.
Barrie Thompson... is open about the personal traits which give him, "one foot in the boat" as far as understanding the difficulties faced by couples where Asperger's is a factor, and has developed a clear, rational and well-structured Seven-Stage model for work with these couples... A unique volume, and highly recommended.
The Loop
Counselling for Asperger Couples provides a complete model for counselling couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome (AS). The book provides details of the seven different stages of the model and includes anecdotal evidence from clients who have used it. The author explains the importance of initial separate counselling and describes the co-counselling process using case studies to demonstrate useful strategies. The book offers valuable advice on improving communication and cooperation and includes photocopiable activity sheets.
BILD