Living and Working with Neurodivergence: Mental Health & Wellbeing 2025

Welcome to the Living & Working with Neurodivergence: Mental Health & Wellbeing 2025 conference!

We are thrilled to invite you to a day of insightful workshops and discussions, all from the comfort of your own space via Zoom. Our event offers a diverse array of workshops, allowing attendees the freedom to tailor their experience to their interests and needs.

We believe in accessibility for all, which is why we offer a unique ticketing system where attendees can choose their price, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Plus, with access to both the LIVE Zoom event AND recordings, you can engage with the content at your own pace.

Join us for a day of learning and connection.

RECORDING

This conference will be recorded and your ticket gives you access to all recordings in Onlinevents CPD Library. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again.

ZOOM

This conference will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group.

CPD CERTIFICATE

Your ticket includes a CPD certificate for attending LIVE or watching on Catch-up in Onlinevents Library.

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All the colleagues at ONLINEVENTS and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a manner consistent with the BACP Ethical Framework, which can be accessed on the link below. When registering for this event you are agreeing to be present and interact in a manner that is consistent with this Framework.

https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS:

Cattitude: A Polyvagal Informed Approach to Self and Self Care for ADHD and Trauma - Eve Menezes Cunningham

Are you ready to start Feline Better Every Day? Eve makes Polyvagal Theory (one of the core elements of her practice since 2011) fun and user-friendly with the help of her rescue cats. In this experiential session, you'll learn how to befriend your nervous system, soothe your self talk and (by integrating these simple but effective self-care practises) potentially retrain your nervous system and rewire your brain. We're all wired to thrive when we feel safe, welcome and loved. Glimmers can help us tweak and even transform our work, relationships and lives. Our extra sensitive nervous systems and even RSD can become gifts by learning to understand and work with rather than against ourselves.

Eve Menezes Cunningham

The author of 365 Ways to Feel Better: Self-care Ideas for Embodied Wellbeing, Eve Menezes Cunningham runs Feel Better Every Day and produces and hosts The Feel Better Every Day Podcast.

Integrating a wide range of trauma-informed and ADHD-friendly therapies, coaching and supervision, Eve specialises in all things self-care (and Self care for connecting with and taking better care of your highest, wisest, truest, wildest, most joyful, brilliant and miraculous Self), especially around trauma, anxiety, stress, sleep issues and finding more purpose, meaning and joy, ADHD and perimenopause and menopause.

Eve’s work incorporates traditional talk therapy and coaching as well as somatic (body based) and energy approaches for a holistic approach. She is an Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) accredited supervisor and counsellor, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) senior accredited supervisor and Past Chair of BACP Coaching, EFT International Accredited Mentor and Advanced EFT Practitioner, a Yoga Professionals UK Experienced Yoga Teacher and NLP Master Practitioner.

She has been on IACP’s Editorial Committee since 2021 (Editor-in-Chief of the Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy since February 2024) and editorial team for Rapport, ANLP’s NLP journal, since 2007. Eve’s work been featured in hundreds of titles including Psychologies, Therapy Today, Coaching Today, the FT, the Guardian, Evening Standard, Metro, Mirror, Irish Country Magazine, Stellar and Cosmopolitan.

Indian Irish, London-born, Eve moved to Westport, on the west coast of Ireland, in 2019 and mostly works online and by telephone with supervisees and clients across Ireland and the UK.

Eve offers free resources via selfcarecoaching.net and facilitates the Sole to Soul Circle: Trauma-informed and ADHD-friendly Self care online membership. It’s a fully embodied, nervous system friendly, trauma informed approach, helping people integrate self and Self care practices into their daily lives to create a life you don’t need to retreat from.

Website | https://selfcarecoaching.net/ |

Podcast | The Feel Better Every Day Podcast

Membership | https://evemc.substack.com/

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Procrastination in Leadership: A Neurodivergent Approach to Taking Action - Errin Anderson

Procrastination in leadership is rarely about time management—it’s about decision paralysis, emotional regulation, and fear of getting it wrong. For neurodivergent professionals, traditional productivity advice often fails because it doesn’t account for executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, or the way our brains process urgency and overwhelm.

In this 90-minute interactive online workshop, we’ll go beyond the usual “just push through it” strategies and explore:

• Why neurodivergent professionals procrastinate and how to reframe avoidance as a self-protection mechanism.
• The hidden emotional and cognitive blocks behind leadership procrastination (perfectionism, decision fatigue, and dopamine-driven motivation).
• Live group coaching where attendees will walk through a structured, ADHD-friendly 3-Step “Action Blueprint” for breaking procrastination cycles in real-time.
• Practical, immediately applicable strategies designed for neurodivergent professionals, therapists, and coaches—helping both themselves and their clients move from avoidance to action.

This session will be highly interactive, using live coaching techniques, chat-based participation, and structured reflection exercises, ensuring that even in a large online setting, attendees can engage, reflect, and implement the strategies in real-time.

By the end of the session, attendees will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of their own procrastination patterns.
• A practical, actionable plan to tackle avoidance in leadership roles.
• Tools to support neurodivergent clients and teams through decision-making and productivity challenges.

This isn’t just another productivity talk—it’s a real coaching experience designed to help neurodivergent professionals finally get unstuck.

Errin Anderson

Errin is the Founder of PhilanthroPeak Coaching, an ADHD Business & Leadership Coach, and someone who knows firsthand how procrastination can mess with your momentum. Based in Scotland, He works with neurodivergent professionals, coaches, and therapists worldwide, helping them navigate executive function challenges, productivity struggles, and leadership roadblocks in ways that actually work for their brains.

Errin combines Core Renewal Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and holistic coaching with own lived experience to help neurodivergent leaders break free from procrastination, make decisions faster, and create sustainable strategies for getting things done without burnout. If traditional productivity advice worked, we wouldn’t be here—so let’s talk about what actually does.

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Approaches to Working Creatively with Neurodivergent Clients - Louise Lucas

In this sessions we’ll focus on creative ways to support neurodivergent clients wellbeing based on Louise’s two spirals model of ND wellbeing. This model has been developed over time through a mixture of Louise’s work with neurodivergent clients, her own lived experience as a multiply neurodivergent human alongside her professional and academic knowledge. This model focuses on a move away from blame and shame through kindness and compassion to support clients to stay out of burn out and find balance.

We will think about different creative approaches that could be used to support clients understanding of their own neurodivergent wellbeing and what can impact it to move up or down the spirals. This will include considering the potential barriers that neurodivergent clients might experience to some creative approaches, dependent on how their neurodivergence shows up for them. We will also think about how we can approach this work in a way that is affirming for all neurotypes and aligns with the values of the model.

This session will use powerpoint presentation, alongside the opportunity for experiential learning either alone or in breakout rooms for all attendees.

By the end of this session you will:

• Be familiar with the two spirals model of neurodivergent wellbeing
• Understand some of the considerations you may need to take into account when working creatively with neurodivergent clients
• Have the opportunity to try working with the two spiral model in creative ways.

Suggested Resources

• Paper and pens/pencils will be useful for all attendees, but any resources you use to work with clients are welcome in the sessions as you will be given the opportunity to think about how you can adapt exercises to your own style.

Louise Lucas

Louise is a queer and multiply neurodivergent, Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer. She works predominantly with neurodivergent clients and therapists, exploring their own neurodivergent identities and figuring out how to curate a life that works for them.

Most recently, she has been developing a model of neurodivergent wellbeing based on her lived experience, alongside her professional and academic knowledge. Working with the strands of knowledge, understanding and acceptance and how they can be woven together through self-compassion, this model forms the foundation of a package of resources and training to help therapists continue to support neurodivergent clients in an affirming and inclusive way. You can find out more about Louise and her model at her website.

Website | www.curiosityspot.co.uk

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Being without Labels: Restorative Perspectives on Humanness and Joy - Dr Francesca Bernardi

This workshop offers possibilities to redress the pathologising impact of labels on individuals and families, in education, health and social discourse more broadly. This is a perspective that is socially-engaged and restorative, one that seeks to encourage reflection and recognition to dismantle the emphasis on need, vulnerability and loss, and revise the public imaginary around autism, neurodiversity, dis/ability. A gentle talk on embracing and understanding commonalities and capabilities; this workshop includes evocative and creative moments (through marks, words, poetry…) for collection and pause, for justice and grace, facilitating ways to nourish our shared humanness, questioning power, disempowerment and othering, to re-imagine stories and being without labels.

Dr Francesca Bernardi (CATA, FRSA)

Francesca Bernardi PhD (CATA, FRSA) is a creative coach, community artist, writer and dis/ability advocate. She trained in Art and Design education and therapy and has worked as a teacher and artist-in-residence in schools, public galleries, alternative provision and further education. She most consistently engages in multi-disciplinary work that nourishes creativity and autonomy. Francesca has extended her expertise to co-designing environments for accessibility and meaningful employment internationally. She has published research on autism, arts-informed methodologies, childhood, motherhood and children’s rights (Bloomsbury, Routledge).

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”Everyone's Neurodivergent These Days...": Tools for Responding to Misinformation - Dr Emma Bede

In this collaborative session we will explore some of the misinformation and misunderstandings around neurodivergence that we may hear from family and friends, from colleagues, or in the news and social media, and work together to come up with useful replies for different situations. Active participation is optional, and can be done entirely by text chat if preferred, or no

Dr Emma Bede

Dr Emma Bede is a neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist with over twenty years of experience working with neurodivergent adults and children in clinical, diagnostic and academic contexts. She works therapeutically with adults of all ages, genders and neurotypes, as well as carrying out formal diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD, and providing supervision to other therapists.

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Autism and Substance Use: A Neuro-Affirming Perspective for Therapeutic Practice - Kate Salinsky

This workshop offers therapists a nuanced understanding of the intersections between autism and substance use, drawing on lived experience, research, and practice-based insight. Autistic people may use substances for a wide range of reasons — to self-regulate, reduce sensory overwhelm, manage anxiety, or feel a sense of social belonging. However, they also face unique vulnerabilities shaped by stigma, exclusion, and systemic barriers to support.

Therapists are often working with autistic clients in mental health or substance use contexts without a clear framework for understanding how neurodivergence impacts patterns of use, motivation, and treatment engagement. This session will explore core concepts such as monotropism, alexithymia, masking, and trauma, and how these relate to substance use as both coping and connection. We will also examine how standard treatment approaches can unintentionally marginalise autistic clients — and how to adapt our practice to be more inclusive, compassionate, and effective.

Rooted in a neuro-affirming and trauma-informed ethos, this session aims to equip practitioners with greater confidence and insight to support autistic clients with substance use challenges in a way that acknowledges the whole person, not just their diagnosis or behaviours.

Kate Salinsky

Kate Salinsky is an experienced trainer, facilitator, and neurodiversity advocate with over 20 years of expertise in the substance use field. She has spent two decades training drug and alcohol counsellors and over a decade supporting neurodivergent adults in higher education and workplace settings. She holds an MA in Autism.

For the past two years, Kate has been a trainer on the National Autism Trainer Programme, delivering specialist training to mental health professionals across the UK. Her work increasingly sits at the intersection of autism, mental health, and substance use — three areas she believes are deeply interconnected and often overlooked in therapeutic settings.

Drawing on her background in both frontline practice and education, Kate brings a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed perspective to her workshops. Her training style is engaging, evidence-informed, and rooted in a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

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Neuro-Alterity - Dr Marc Boaz

The workshop explores existential and phenomenological differences across our experience of neurodivergencies and provides some introductory exercises to hold our differences in our experiences of time, space, self, sociality and the world around us. Marc will talk through ideas that emerged from a recent Wellcome Trust funded project, and participants will be invited to explore their own experiences through creative activity, movement and discussion.

Dr Marc Boaz

Marc is an existential psychotherapist, a visiting Professor of Mental Health and Psychotherapy at the University of Northampton, UK, and teaches Critical Psychopathology at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC), UK. He is an author of works on interpersonal trauma, childhood adversity and neurodivergence.

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Using the Masking Authenticity Triangle for Neuroaffirming Supervision - Romy Graichen

We are introduced to The Masking Authenticity Triangle (Leong & Graichen, 2024) which explores the interplay between: Neurological Needs – e.g. sensory regulation, need for stimulation, executive function variance, Environmental Conditions – relational, cultural, institutional contexts that affirm or suppress Neurodivergent Expression. This suppression is called masking - it is a survival adaptation and a form of dissociation.

In Neurodivergent folx, the suppressed authentic self is often inaccessible without relational and environmental safety. Masking is how lots of Neurodivergent counselling students manage to survive therapy training (in order to pass). It is also present when supervision is not safe to be oneself.

Supervision, when held with courage and compassion, can be a neurodiversity-affirming space where we flourish and heal. The Masking-Authenticity Triangle is not just a model for client understanding—it is also an invitation to supervise relationally, attune politically, and honour authenticity as central to healing.

Objectives:

1. Learn to be more affirming in your supervisory practice by reflecting on how therapists' and supervisors' own masking or internalized ableism may influence how the client / therapist is framed.
   
   
2. Apply Neuroaffirming Supervision Practices: Reflect on how not to unconsciously reinforce masking under the guise of supporting progress. Using the triangle to support supervisees in reframing the client presentations with compassion, understanding and systemic awareness.
   
   
3. Support Authentic Expression in Clients and Supervisees: Learn how to foster relational safety and permission for unmasking in therapy and supervision.
   
   
4. Identify and Challenge Internalized Ableism and Systemic Ableism: Challenge theoretical foundations in traditional psychotherapy and their usefulness when working with neurodivergent folx. Deepen awareness of how therapists and supervisors themselves may unconsciously uphold neuronormative ideals and how supervision can either replicate or interrupt oppressive clinical norms.

Romy Graichen

Romy is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent inclusion, drawing on her lived experience as a multiply neurodivergent individual—ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic, and Dyspraxic—to inform her work as a therapist, trainer, and supervisor. Late diagnosed, she understands both the challenges and strengths of neurodivergence and focuses on creating affirming, inclusive spaces for individuals and professionals.

Trained in various modalities, including Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Trauma Therapy, Romy specializes in the intersection of Neurodiversity and Trauma. As lead trainer for the Neurodiversity-Informed Practice Specialist Diploma, she equips professionals with understanding and tools to support neurodivergent clients authentically. She also provides Neuroaffirming Supervision and international training in Neurodiversity Affirming Practice. Her co-authored journal article, Decentering Neuronormativity, challenges biases in therapeutic practice and reimagines ADHD as a strength. She also wrote a chapter called Neuroaffirming Supervision in the book "On Being an Autistic Therapist" (Marnau, ed. 2025)

As neurodivergent parent to three neurodivergent children, Romy’s commitment to neurodiversity is deeply personal, enriching her work in therapy, advocacy, and writing. She is passionate about empowering individuals and professionals to celebrate and support the authentic strengths of neurodivergent folx.

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Organise Yourself Before Starting Your Blogging Journey - Karin Brauner

What do you think of when you hear the word "blog"? Does it send you into hiding? Do you think "maybe I should, but I don't know how"? Or you're just not sure how it will benefit your private practice marketing.

I'm offering this workshop because I know the value of blogging and what it's done for me. It's revolutionized my practice! I want my colleagues to learn what I've learned, earlier on in their private practice journey. Plus, I've ran it since 2018 with great results for colleagues that want to grow their practice, share their knowledge, and anything in between.

In this version of the workshop - especially planned for the Living and Working with Neurodivergence: 2025 Conference - we will be talking about setting up and getting organised before getting into the actual writing process - the "secret sauce" that will allow you to write with ease and minimal to no overwhelm - which we will cover in the following week's workshop (links will be provided shortly).

I've also added a third day to this workshop, where we can take your blog to the next level with Images and Video using Canva (there is already a recording in the onlinevents library, but we will run a new one after part 2 - Secret Sauce).

In this workshop we will cover:

• the writing (and marketing) mindset
• who is your audience
• how often should you blog?
• When is the best time for you to write?
• how long should a blog post be?
• What if someone else is writing about the same topic?
• I've written my blog post, now what do I do with it?
• other things to do with your blog post
• what about vlogging instead?

As a practitioner myself, I have "insiders" knowledge as to what it's like to be in private practice and struggle with starting out or starting something new, like blog writing. I am passionate about helping others have successful private practices, and my way of doing this is by putting my passion for content creation into a variety of formats, including workshops like this one, one-to-ones, and more.

I am confident that this workshop series will help propel practitioners into filling their private practice, with confidence and showcasing their knowledge and experience. If you prefer to work at your own pace, I have organised the same content into a self-learn course you can check out here: https://ontrack-learning.teachable.com/p/practical-steps-to-blogging

I also offer personal coaching if you need further support on - starting a blog on wordpress - support tweaking your ideas - how to make your blog post go further - and more... Check out what past attendees have been working on, as well as a two-part mini-series to sample what you’ll be getting more of during the live workshop: https://karinbrauneronline.co.uk/category/practical-steps-to-blogging/

Karin Brauner

Karin Brauner is a twice published author, a bilingual coach/counsellor/psychotherapist, as well as a supervisor in private practice. She trained in Guatemala and in Brighton, England. Karin has always been interested in many areas, which focus on her training as a therapist, but also her passion for writing and IT. These have led her to have a variety of services and product offerings, which she keeps adding to. These include social media marketing and content creation, as well as website support, tutoring, academic support, and other areas.

Karin is passionate about everything she does, and she enjoys seeing her colleagues and clients thrive in their work and lives. This is why she's offering workshops, self-learn courses and coaching. She enjoys supporting people be the best they can be, meeting them right where they are, and together figuring out what the best way forward is.

Neurodivergence, Supervision, Blogging, and Self-Care (setting boundaries and meeting your needs), are a few of Karin’s special interests and focus of her work, and she’s got workshops in the Onlinevents library on all of these, some which are upcoming. Karin offers practical support to get you on the right track to building a successful life and/or business (whatever that means to each one of us individually). You can find out more about what Karin offers via her website

Website | https://karinbrauneronline.co.uk

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The Autism Dialogue Approach: Transforming Communication in Neurodiversity - Jonathan Drury

This workshop introduces the Autism Dialogue Approach (ADA), a holistic, relational method designed to transcend and respect neurotypes, heal what Damian Milton calls ‘the double empathy gap’ and transform both group process and 1-1 client work. Grounded in the philosophies of Enactivism, David Bohm, dialogic practice, and influenced by mindfulness and neurodiversity thinking, ADA invites participants into a different kind of therapeutic space - challenging medicalised assumptions and shift to being-in-relation-with. Following a short introduction, participants will engage in a structured, interactive ADA exercise, then reflect on its real-world application in their own practice.

Jonathan Drury

Jonathan Drury is the creator of the Autism Dialogue Approach, a strengths-based method rooted in a unique synthesis of communication and awareness-raising practices, inspired by a lifelong experience of autism and ADHD, many years in spiritual disciplines and the legacy of dialogue as radical praxis.

Early transformative experiences led him to pioneer the first Autism Dialogue sessions, marking the beginning of a movement that has since grown into a national community. He now provides coaching and dialogue-based training, enabling better communication across neurotypes and fostering inclusive environments where neurodivergent people can thrive, raising self-awareness and reframing their difference as a launch pad for growth and dynamic integration.

Jonathan has served as a trainer of trainers for The Anna Freud Centre, London, as part of the NHS National Autism Trainer Programme. His new book, The Autism Dialogue Approach Handbook, Transforming Communication in Neurodiversity (Routledge, 2025) offers practical tools and insights for applying the method, as well as philosophical background, and is set to become a key resource for practitioners, autistic people, and anyone passionate about neurodiversity and urgently improving communication.

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Working with Neurodivergent Young People in Schools & Private Practice - Sian Clare

Sian will talk about her experience in schools, she has noticed that many young people presenting for counselling are either diagnosed or displaying traits of neurodivergence. Sian would like to open a discussion around this topic where counsellors can share their experiences and resources.

Sian Clare

I am a BACP Accredited Integrative Counsellor & Supervisor with over 19 years extensive experience in working with Adults, Students & Young People in private practice, secondary schools & the voluntary sector. I qualified as a counsellor in 2006 from York St John University with the Graduate Diploma and since qualifying I have completed many hours of additional training and CPD. I am currently engaged in a variety of CPD around neurodivergence so as to best serve this community within my practice. I am also the founder of a Peer Supervision Group for counsellors working in schools in my area with the aim of promoting good practice. Prior to qualifying as a counsellor, I worked for the local authority in various roles working with young people. These included working with LAC, running alternative education provision, and working with young people with SEN.

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Finding Your Steady - By Glad We Talked - Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

Glad We Talked: A 5-Part Social Emotional Learning Program for Neurodivergent Families & Communities Wanting Less Stress, Fewer Meltdowns, and More Connection.

Join Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, creator of Find My Steady, for a 90-minute whistle-stop tour of Glad We Talked – a polyvagal-informed, neuroinclusive program designed to support neurodivergent individuals and the people who care for them.

Glad We Talked is a fully trauma-informed communication program that helps families and communities move from stress and disconnection to calm, connection, and clarity. Grounded in nervous system science and emotional regulation, the program offers everyday tools for building communication that feels safer, softer, and more supportive – even in the messy moments.

In this interactive workshop, Yasmin will walk you through the 5 modules of the program, sharing practical insights, stories, and somatic tools for use at home, in classrooms, or in therapeutic spaces.

Participants will:

- Understand how stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) affect communication

- Learn why meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout happen – and how to respond with compassion

- Explore tools to feel heard and help others feel understood

- Discover simple strategies for everyday regulation and emotional co-safety

- Appreciate the power of nonverbal communication, presence, and attunement

The session includes a Q&A and open discussion to explore common communication challenges faced by neurodivergent families and those supporting them. Who is it for? Parents, carers, educators, therapists, and anyone living or working alongside neurodivergence.

This session blends theory, storytelling, and real-life tools to help create more connected conversations – even during chaotic or emotionally charged moments.

Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

I’m Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a neurodivergent BACP accredited relationship and trauma therapist. I support neurodivergent and neurodivergent households simplify communication, strengthen connections, and understand how our nervous systems shape behaviour through a polyvagal informed lens.

My neuroinclusive programs and tools are accessible, practical and actionable so ultimately families can lead less stressful lives. In January and February 2025, whilst recovering from illness and unable to leave my sofa (kinda feeling sorry for myself big time not gonna lie) I found myself reflecting on the many resources I’ve created over the years.

To make the most of that time, I began curating and organising them into what is now “The Glad We Talked” programs – designed to bring together my work in a way that’s structured, accessible, and easy to apply.

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Magnificent Minds: Exceptional Cognitive Ability at the Intersection of Neuro-Atypicality & Psychosocial Development - Dr Winniey E Maduro

In two parts, this workshop offers the opportunity to explore exceptional cognitive ability (ECA) that can and often exists at the intersection of neurodevelopmental atypicality and psychosocial development across the life cycle. Participants are encouraged to interrogate this phenomenon alongside adaptations neuro-atypical personalities with ECA may be inclined to make as they leverage their strengths and manage challenges throughout their life – challenges that include adverse life events.

Case studies in the second part brings into focus adaptations with which exceptionally intellectually endowed personalities (EIEP) move through life and how unique needs can be met in an inclusive society. Think here of inclusive and supportive spaces in which strengths and life challenges are recognised and every personality is empowered to nurture self-authenticity and thrive through opportunities. A key takeaway is an appreciation for the strengths in neurodiversity and confidence in interventions that promote well-being for neuro-atypical personalities.

Learning objectives participants can expect from this event:

• Gain understanding of the neurobiology of neuro-atypicality, with insights into the neurocircuitries implicated in exceptional cognitive ability (ECA).

• Gain insights into how psychosocial developmental delays or trauma/deficits co-occurring with exceptional cognitive ability impact well-being.

• Gain confidence in scanning for psychosocial developmental delays or trauma/deficits in exceptionally intellectually endowed personalities (EIEP).

• Understand key challenges that may be encountered in working with exceptionally intellectually endowed personalities (EIEP) living with psychosocial developmental delay or trauma.

• Gain insight into neuropsychosocial therapy that promotes well-being for exceptionally intellectually endowed personalities (EIEP).

Who is this presentation appropriate for? Families, educators, well-being practitioners, and just about anyone interested in the a-typical nervous system, its relationship with the psychosocial, and how it might respond to neuropsychosocial therapy.

Dr Winniey E. Maduro is a research psychologist and lecturer in neurobiology of the psychosocial. In her research and practice, she focuses on neurodevelopmental and neuropsychosocial [mal]adaptations to adverse lived experiences (ALEs), integrative neuropsychosocial therapy, and posttraumatic growth across the life cycle.

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Factors Influencing Autistic Psychotherapists’ Practice & Client-Side Experiencing of Therapy: A Small-sample, Mixed-methods Study - Matthew Bolton

In this workshop, Matthew Bolton will share the preliminary findings from research examining ways that autistic psychotherapists work with people as well as what they prefer as people themselves in therapy and counseling. This session aims to provide attendees with insights directly from autistic individuals, helping therapists and mental health professionals understand their specific needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.

Matt Bolton

At the time of this presentation, Matt Bolton will have a master's degree in clinical social work from Saint Leo University in Florida. Person-centered, neuroaffirming, and culturally sensitive but, perhaps most of all curious about and appreciative of others’ experiences, he enjoys therapeutic work with a wide array of persons who go through varied life problems. Matt incorporates a systemic perspective to deconstruct and examine social power structures. This empowers his consideration of the intricate, intersectional functioning and relating of the person in their environment.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and is an adjunct instructor of psychology and first-year experience courses at Saint Leo.

Matt enthusiastically engages in cross-discipline research and writes on matters of learning, life, neurodivergence, and person-centeredness. He facilitates a weekly, encounter-format peer support group for neurodivergent therapists and counselors.

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Parenting on a Knife Edge: Neurodivergent Mothers of Neurodivergent Adults - Cathie Long & Chdel Cooke

Cathie and Chdel are neurodivergent professionals and mothers of neurodivergent adult children. In this workshop, they draw on lived and professional experience to explore the challenges of parenting autistic adults with high anxiety and demand-avoidant profiles.

From misunderstood behaviour to the fear of what happens when parents are no longer around, this session offers honest insights into a world often unseen—and invites reflection on how professionals can better understand and support these families.

Cathie Long & Chdel Cooke

Cathie Long is a psychotherapist in advanced training. She holds a Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Transactional Analysis (Psychotherapy) and is working towards her Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) qualification. She also has a master’s degree in Autism and is undertaking a PhD by publication, drawing on her recent journal and book chapter contributions.

Alongside her psychotherapy practice, Cathie is an award-winning independent social worker, specialising in assessment and support for neurodivergent individuals.

Chdel Cooke is a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming counsellor and UKCP trainee in advanced clinical psychotherapy, working towards her Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) qualification. Her private practice supports neurodivergent individuals, couples, and groups.

A late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman and parent of adult children, Chdel brings both lived and clinical experience to her work.

She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent adults and their families, especially in navigating mental health, services, relationships, work, finances, and the criminal justice system.

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Mindful or Mindless: A Journey Across the Senses to Still the Mind - Sarah Weller

This workshop will be part theory and part interactive , journeying through a sequence of breathwork connected to our senses, to create more "mindlessness" than "mindfulness." In the first part, we will consider the role of our Interoceptive sense and how this relates specifically to being Neuro divergent.

We will consider why it's important to make Breathwork "inclusive" to all by factoring in the individual's Interoceptive experience and ways to do this.

We will consider how Breathwork can enhance an individual's sense of wellbeing through connecting in with our 5 senses, which gives the potential to soothe the nervous system and still the mind.

In the 2nd part, we will journey through 5 breathwork techniques together, to bring us into a state of Groundedness, balance and openess, an equilibrium of relaxed presence. You are invited to remain seated for the 2nd part, and join in with some gentle warm up stretches at the beginning if you wish.

None of the breathwork techniques will have any contraindications.

Sarah Weller

Sarah Weller has been supporting families throughout her career, both in the Charity sector and private practice, to become fully functional, in whatever way that uniquely presents.

Sarah particularly prioritises understanding needs and strengthening connection. More recently Sarah has become a qualified Breathwork Coach and is incorporating this as a a way of alleviating stress and anxiety that many parent's experience, while advocating for their children every day.

Sarah is married to Paul and has just celebrated her 36th wedding anniversary, and enjoys spending time with her 4 adult neuro divergent children. Sarah has presented at this amazing conference for the past 3 years.

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Working with Psychosis in Neurodivergent Clients - Jemma Wilkinson

Working with Psychosis in Neurodivergent Clients In this focused 45-minute session, we’ll explore how psychosis can present in neurodivergent clients and how to respond with curiosity, compassion, and clinical confidence.

Drawing on elements of CBT for psychosis (CBTp), ACT, and trauma-informed care, we’ll look at practical strategies for recognising signs, avoiding misdiagnosis, and holding therapeutic space that honours both neurodivergence and distress.

Perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding—without getting lost in the jargon.

Jemma Wilkinson

Jemma Wilkinson is a UK-based Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Trainer with over six years of experience across the NHS, private practice, and specialist services on Harley Street. As the founder of Jemma Wilkinson Therapy she’s passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces for both clients and fellow practitioners.

Jemma brings a down-to-earth, relational approach to complex issues—from trauma and self-harm to Neurodivergence and psychosis—and is a sought-after facilitator for workshops that are as grounded as they are genuinely transformative. When she’s not holding space for others, she’s likely plotting the next bit of psychoeducation magic… with a cuppa in hand.

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Working with ADHD & Autistic Students - Tristan Brooks

This 90-minute Workshop (including a short comfort break) is designed for people in the allied helping professions who work with ADHD and Autistic students, and want to do so with greater insight, compassion, and confidence.

We’ll dive into the real-world challenges these neurodivergent students face, including: Neuroableism in therapy and education Task and choice paralysis Camouflaging and masking Executive functioning struggles & task switching Autistic and ADHD burnout You’ll also learn practical, client-centred strategies and tools I use in sessions to support regulation, autonomy, and therapeutic connection.

Tristan Brooks

Tris is an NCPS senior accredited psychotherapist, a Pink Therapy advanced accredited GSRD Therapist, and a Pink Therapy endorsed GSRD aware trainer. They have lived experience as a queer, late diagnosed AuDHD, non-binary person whose pronouns are they/them. Tris has a private practice, Starlight Therapy, where they see clients from GSRD, Disabled and Neurodivergent communities. They are also a public speaker and deliver bespoke training and consultancy Packages.

Tris also works part-time for a university student counselling service with a special interest in working with clients at the intersection of GSRD and Neurodivergence. Within the university, they run therapeutic groups for Trans, Non-Binary, Gender non-conforming and questioning students.

They are also a neurodivergent specialist counsellor and have been working with the service to make it more accessible for neurodivergent students.

Website: www.starlighttherapy.co.uk

Social Media:

BlueSky - starlighttherapy.co.uk

Insta- @StarlTherapy

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Two Truths, One Body: Living within the Intersection of Neurodivergence & Chronic Illness - Linsey Bailey-Rowles

This workshop explores the common, yet often overlooked, intersection of neurodivergence and chronic illness, centering the lived experience of navigating both realities.

While each brings its own distinct needs and strengths, their overlap can present unique and frequently misunderstood challenges, particularly when the strategies or accommodations for one may conflict with the other.

Through the lens of an individual who is also a therapist and supervisor living with both identities, we will explore how this intersection impacts personal and professional identity, daily functioning, and the complexities of navigating frameworks not built with this dual experience in mind.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the needs of both conditions interact, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in tension, and will build greater awareness of how to compassionately and effectively support themselves, clients and supervisees whose experiences include this dual reality.

The workshop invites reflection on how inclusivity and intersectionality can shape more responsive, attuned practice across helping professions.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Develop an awareness of the overlap of neurodivergence and chronic illness
• Develop increased empathy and insight through real-life narratives.
• Understand how neurodivergence and chronic illness interact, support, and sometimes conflict.
• Explore the impact on identity, functioning, and therapeutic/supervisory relationships.
• Reflect on practical awareness of how to support clients and supervisees navigating this complexity.

Linsey Bailey-Rowles

Linsey Bailey-Rowles (She/Her) is an AuDHD, queer, dynamically disabled Therapist, Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, Counselling Tutor, and Trainer.

She brings experience from both private practice and the voluntary sector, working with adults and young people across a broad spectrum of needs. Her therapeutic practice is rooted in Compassion-Focused, Trauma & Trauma-Informed approaches, with a strong focus on supporting Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those living with hidden / dynamic disabilities and chronic illness. Linsey is passionate about equality, equity, and social justice within and beyond the counselling community.

She regularly facilitates continuing professional development opportunities across the helping professions, championing inclusive, intersectional, and affirming practice.

Find out more about Linsey’s work and offerings at: www.libertycounsellingburnley.co.uk / www.training-for-counsellors.co.uk

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One Size Doesn't Fit All: Diverse Regulation Techniques for Unique People - Kathleen Coleman-Cooke (She/Her)

In this workshop, we will explore the power of returning to fundamentals in a person-centered approach. By being present with individuals and viewing them as they are in the moment, we can create a safe, non-judgmental space filled with empathy and unconditional positive regard, especially for those who are vulnerable and anxious.

We will discuss the importance of understanding each person's unique perspective and experiences, allowing us to see beyond labels and identify their specific needs. This understanding enables us to adapt our approaches effectively.

I will share effective strategies that help individuals regulate themselves and optimise their experience in therapeutic counseling sessions. We will focus on strategies that work particularly well with children and adolescents in school settings, ensuring they feel safe and supported during counselling

Kathleen Coleman-Cooke (She/Her)

Hello, I am Kathleen Coleman-Cooke, known to most as Kathy I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Qualified to work with children, adolescents, and adults. Currently studying a Post Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity. My counselling experience includes working with a charitable organisation that provides generic counselling to the community, as well as in my small private practice and Primary and Secondary schools. Currently, I am on the BACP School and College Expert Reference group. I work face-to-face and online, providing short, to long-term work, according to what is right for each individual I see. Over time I have gained invaluable experience working with all age groups, going through trauma, abuse and other debilitating difficulties and challenges.

Through this I have learned that although as human beings we often come across similar struggles and challenges, we are all individuals and experience life through our own unique filter. I work predominantly in a ‘person-centred way ‘which for me means that I take each person as an individual, carrying no judgement and offering unconditional positive regard.

Through my practice, I have come across many people of all ages with a specific Neurodiverse diagnosis and others who show varying neurodiverse traits, and although I have not been assessed, I have known for many years that I am dyslexic.

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Tracy Clark

As a private practitioner of many years, I have had the privilege of working with and supporting clients from the neurodivergent community. Mainly people who are autistic and dyslexic. My clients include individuals, couples and young people. I am Person-centred trained however I have used various modalities and creative ways within my clinical practice to meet the client's needs.

I have been assessed over the years for an intellectual learning disability, called Dyslexia. My personal experience of being dyslexic has been very mixed over the years, however I find that as a visual learner I can incorporate my experience of dyslexia into my clinical practice.

Website | www.tracyaclarkcounselling.co.uk

Facebook | Tracy A Clark Counselling

LinkedIn | Tracy Clark PgDip

John Wilson

I have been facilitating in Counselling & Psychotherapy programmes in the UK for more than 10 years.

I am currently the director at Temenos Education and have a private practice where I offer online Psychotherapy and Supervision using video and chat communication platforms along with virtual environments. I am also the co-founder of onlinevents which has grown to be the world’s largest library of online video and audio content with instant certification and a learning log.

I am also a past chair of the Association for Counselling & Therapy Online (ACTO) and have served for 6 years on the board of the World Association for Person Centered & Experiential Psychotherapy & Counselling. My passion to bring online learning into the field of Counselling & Psychotherapy has also led to the development of online experiential learning within the Temenos programme, facilitating the exposure of Temenos students to external tutors who are located in different parts of the world. Along with the inclusion of experiential learning of online Counselling & Psychotherapy for Temenos students so that they qualify with knowledge and practice in online communication and relationship.

You can read an article I co-authored about online group facilitation here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UB2QJDKNCGUMUNUURU8W/full?target=10.1080/14779757.2019.1650807