@article{mitran_2022, title={Challenges of Licensed Counselors and Other Licensed Mental Health Providers Working With Neurodiverse Adults: An Instrumental Case Study}, ISSN={["1552-3950"]}, DOI={10.1177/10664807221123553}, abstractNote={ For enhanced access to treatment and outcomes, it is imperative that counselors and therapists be aware of and confident in adapting their techniques to the needs of neurodiverse individuals. The shortage of trained professionals and limited training in professional counseling and other mental health support services specific to neurodiverse adults has deprived them of therapy. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the challenges of licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers who work with neurodiverse adults. Ensuring that neurodiverse adults receive appropriate socio-psychological assistance and competent services from licensed counselors requires a proper understanding of the current challenges that these professionals face. Findings from an instrumental case study comprising individual open-ended interviews to investigate the challenges faced by five licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers who work with neurodivergent clients were analyzed in a thematic fashion and are presented herein. This instrumental case study identified concerns that were built on existing knowledge that allowed adaptation to and evolution within new cultural norms that characterize neurodiversity, which should be treated as a cultural difference and not “a less than” or “more than” condition. The evidence provided in this thematic analysis is connected to social emotional learning, universal design for learning, universal design, and social learning theories that have significant implications for practitioners. }, journal={FAMILY JOURNAL}, author={Mitran, Carrie Leigh}, year={2022}, month={Sep} }
 @article{mitran_2022, title={Experiences of Licensed Counselors and Other Licensed Mental Health Providers Working with Neurodiverse Adults: An Instrumental Case Study}, ISSN={["1552-3950"]}, DOI={10.1177/10664807221104138}, abstractNote={ In order to enhance access to treatment and outcomes, it is imperative that counselors and therapists be aware of and confident in adapting their techniques in line with the needs of neurodiverse individuals. Specifically, an understanding of the current experience and confidence in working with neurodiverse individuals on the part of licensed counselors is a crucial starting point in the path towards ensuring these individuals receive proper socio-psychological help and appropriate and competent services. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers who work with neurodiverse adults. Many neurodiverse individuals never receive therapy due to the lack of trained professionals and limited training in professional counseling and other mental health support services specific to neurodiverse adult relationships. Findings from an instrumental case study to investigate experiential data derived from individual open-ended interviews with licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers are presented herein. }, journal={FAMILY JOURNAL}, author={Mitran, Carrie Leigh}, year={2022}, month={May} }
 @article{mitran_2021, title={A New Framework for Examining Impact of Neurodiversity in Couples in Intimate Relationships}, ISSN={["1552-3950"]}, DOI={10.1177/10664807211063194}, abstractNote={ Background: Many health professionals have a limited understanding of autism and little to no experience working with neurodiverse (ND) couples. Applying traditional practice without an informed approach to assist ND couples is bound to fail. Purpose: Whether limited executive functioning skills, typical of many ND people, may be overcome using technology that provides social interactions, without the extreme stressors of in-person interactions. Methodology: This article examines a new systemic framework and related practice for navigating the impact of neurodiversity in couples. A discourse analysis of data gathered from interactions with ND clients was performed and the findings are reported. Conclusions: Social norms contribute to considerable anxiety, worry, fear, and difficulties such as the inability to interpret meaning, read nonverbal communications. An individual's ability to consider others’ perspectives increases the likelihood of relational success. Digital communication platforms facilitated social interactions among those diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. Implications: A new framework that incorporates structural plasticity- and technology-based relational tools in resources offered to aid social interactions, and more specifically, romantic relationships for ND individuals may be warranted, considering the unmet needs that exist in society. }, journal={FAMILY JOURNAL}, author={Mitran, Carrie Leigh}, year={2021}, month={Nov} }
 @article{haber_braga_benda_fitch_mitran_nelson_2021, title={Family of Origin as Cultural Messengers in the Training Context}, ISSN={["1552-3950"]}, DOI={10.1177/10664807211000095}, abstractNote={ A novel Family of Origin as Supervisory Resource Model that harnesses the family of origin of the therapist-in-training as a cultural supervisory resource in the training paradigm is presented. The format of the model comprises three phases: supervisor’s exploration of the trainee’s professional dilemmas, supervisor’s exploration of the same dilemma through stories narrated by the supervisee’s family of origin members, and supervisee’s presentation of a case that is an example of the dilemma. The application of this training model during supervision strengthens the trainee’s flexibility in divergent family systems and enhances the ability to handle dilemmas and to form a healthy therapeutic alliance. }, journal={FAMILY JOURNAL}, author={Haber, Russell and Braga, Cristina and Benda, John and Fitch, Jenelle and Mitran, Carrie Leigh and Nelson, Kimberly A.}, year={2021}, month={May} }
 @article{haber_braga_benda_fitch_mitran_nelson_2021, title={Therapist Use of Self and the Development of a Culturally-Aware Professional in Family Therapy}, ISSN={["1552-3950"]}, DOI={10.1177/10664807211061834}, abstractNote={ It has been well established that strong therapeutic alliances correlate with positive outcomes in the course of any therapy. For therapists who seek to enhance their professional development, the contribution of familial alliances to therapy necessitates information about their proclivities with different types of family systems. Since the early days of family therapy, the genogram has served as a tool for identifying family patterns, resources, and potential hindrances. More recently, genograms have aided trainees to better understand how cultural, gender and other biases and assumptions affect administration of therapy. In this manuscript, we introduce the theoretical framework of a new model where the family-of-origin forms an important resource for the professional development of the therapist in training. }, journal={FAMILY JOURNAL}, author={Haber, Russell and Braga, Cristina and Benda, John and Fitch, Jenelle and Mitran, Carrie L. and Nelson, Kimberly A.}, year={2021}, month={Nov} }