The Neurodivergence-Trauma Connection

“When you are a neurodivergent living in a world of neurotypical people, even if you don’t have the words for what makes you different, you KNOW you’re different”

- Neurodivergent Rebel.

2.5 hr Live Online CPD Workshop or 🎥 Buy The Recording | All Tickets £35

About this event

This LIVE workshop offers an introduction to neurodiversity and neurodivergence, as well as the key foundational principles of neurodiversity affirmative and trauma-informed practice.

We will explore why being both neurodiversity and trauma-informed matters when working with neurodivergent clients and what therapists may need to be aware of to build safe working alliances.

Led by Liz Smith, Founder of Free2BMe Training - MBACP Accred, Therapist and Supervisor.

What this isn’t: A list of diagnoses and symptoms and how to work with them.

Liz's work at Free2BMe Training always starts with getting curious about the mindset we approach our work with. A key part of this workshop is developing our understanding of how expectations of neuronormativity impact all aspects of neurodivergent life, including in the therapeutic space.

Takeaways - Tools you’ll walk away with

1. An understanding of how trauma and neurodivergence intersect, including neurodivergent vulnerability to relational trauma
2. Key principles for building therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients, including the confidence to name neuro-differences in the room
3. An understanding of how trauma may present differently in neurodivergent clients and begin to consider how to adapt practice.

About your Speaker: Liz Smith, MBACP Accred, Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer

Liz was recently described on an away day as “Mostly approachable with enough coffee. Bit Northern. Takes a lot of pictures of goats.” As well as enjoying the company of goats as a rescue animal care volunteer (there is a reason for the goat pictures), Liz is a neurodivergent therapist based in West Yorkshire.

She had autistic and ADHD diagnoses in adulthood and began to specialise in working with neurodivergent clients after completing her MA at the University of Leeds in 2019.

Liz now works part time as a clinical lead for a UK-wide mental health service provider, has a small private practice including clinical supervision, and runs Free2BMe Neurodiversity, a training business focusing on providing neurodiversity training to therapists, coaches and health professionals/organisations.

Who It’s For

This workshop welcomes those with an interest in the subject of relational trauma and neurodiversity, including both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse people working as Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Family Therapists, Coaches, and Teachers.

What to Expect

Format: Workshop, Slides, breakouts, group discussion, Q&A, experiential activity

Vibe: Interactive, introspective, empowering, philosophical, lively

Video of the event will be sent to you the week after the LIVE event

Event Details:

🗓️ Date: Friday, October 3rd 2025

⏰ Time: 12:00–2:30 UK

📍 Location: Zoom (link sent upon ticket purchase)

💵 Cost: £35

🎟️ Reserve your spot now — Space is limited to keep the group intimate and safe.

🎥 ON DEMAND - Buy The Recording: Purchase a ticket and you will receive the recording and a CPD certificate (Please note: CoPratice tier membership includes free access to the recording)

What's included?

1 year access to the online Video Recording and a CPD Certificate of Attendance

Course Delivery

Live online on Zoom or Via a Video Recording send out the week after the workshop

Accessibility

For any accessibility requirements, please get in touch with the organiser at events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk, who will be happy to make arrangements with you before the event

Refund Policy

Regrettably, all bookings are non-refundable in the event of cancellation in advance by you or your non-attendance on the day

Booking conditions:

1. Tickets are sold via Eventbrite only

2. Cancellation by you - All bookings are non-refundable

3. Behaviour:

We all have a part in creating a positive, welcoming space in our events. This means being open to hearing when our behaviour or language may not have landed well with others, and contributing in ways that help keep the atmosphere respectful and supportive. If behaviour is disruptive or inappropriate, we may remove you from the event to protect the group. For more on how we work together, please see our Community Guidelines.

If you have any questions about this workshop, feel free to email events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk