Local Support Group with Dr. Kathy Marshack Ph.D. P.S.Portland, Oregon Goes International
Portland, OR (PRWEB) March 13, 2014 -- Kathy Marshack, a licensed psychologist specializing in Asperger relationships, is expanding her free support group to provide support to international members. Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Families of Adults with ASD, organized through meetup.com, has grown to over 660 members since it began in May 2009. Now members who are unable to attend the monthly support group meetings located in Portland, Oregon can connect by international teleconferencing every month.
Marshack, the author of two books on Asperger relationships, explains what motivated her to start this group, “After I posted the first chapter of my book on my website, I was completely overwhelmed by the huge response from people around the world looking for guidance and support on how to navigate a relationship with a partner with Asperger Syndrome.”
Previously, members living outside the Portland area could participate in the online support group forum and appreciated having a safe, supportive place to share their experiences. Now members, regardless of location, can join in free live conversations on hot topics scheduled on a monthly basis. Dr. Marshack provides international phone numbers to make it easy for participants to dial-in.
Heartfelt thanks from international members are already pouring in following the first international teleconference on February 21st. One member wrote, “It is a small world when we all share the same difficulties, whether we're in London or LA. I think the teleconference was fantastic and absolutely historic. Look forward to talking to you all again in March!”
Why do family members, especially spouses, of adults with Asperger’s need this kind of support? Any relationship is subject to ups and downs but when Asperger Syndrome is part of the mix, the challenges easily mount. This is not to say that the Aspie partner is to blame or is at “fault.” However, given that the core characteristics of Asperger Syndrome relate to communication, emotions, perspective taking and sensory issues, the very components upon which relationships are built, it is no wonder that misunderstanding and frustration often crop up in these relationships.
To attend these free teleconferences, you must be a member of Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Families of Adults with ASD Meetup, a private place where Neuro-Typicals meet to openly discuss issues and concerns without hindrance of saving someone’s feelings. There is no charge for participating in this group.
About psychologist and author Kathy Marshack, Ph.D.
Kathy Marshack has worked as a marriage and family therapist and business coach for 34 years. Asperger Syndrome is one of her specialties, and she has counseled hundreds of couples, families and individuals who are on the Spectrum. She has authored three books and has been written about in The New York Times, Inc. magazine, USA Today, Everyday Health, Ladies Home Journal and The Washington Post. As well, Marshack has been on CNN, the Lifetime TV channel and National Public Radio. She resides in Washington and has an office there and one in Oregon. You can view chapters of Marshack’s two Asperger Syndrome books here: “Going Over the Edge?” and “Out of Mind-Out of Sight” at http://www.kmarshack.com
Kathy Marshack, Ph.d., Dr. Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., +1 (360) 256-0448, [email protected]
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