About this event
Following the successful Encounter-ND 2024 event and two miniature popup meetings in summer 2025, which brought together neurodivergent therapists and counselors for discussion and connection, this two-day, international group meeting will provide, opportunities for connection and personal learning between neurodivergent and neurotypical therapists.
Whereas the first primary and subsequent popup meetings were centered around entirely open, neurodivergent-only communication, the main event looks a little different this year. The focus is on bridging gaps in understanding–both of concepts and persons. This meeting invites neurotypical as well as neurodivergent therapists and counselors for a blend of structured and open dialogue. Periods of focused discussion, it is hoped, will prompt personal reflection and collective inquiry into a range of subjects which are important to participants.
The first hour on Day 1 will center discussion on the definition of ‘neuroaffirming therapy’. What is it and how do we practise it? How does its practise differ between therapists of different lived experience backgrounds, and what can those with different experiences learn from others to apply in their own practice? After a half-hour break for processing and renewal, the group will re-convene for another hour-and-a-half of open discussion.
Day 2 will begin similarly, with a brief examination of how language has historically been used in relation to neurodivergent people, and then continue with open discussion following a break.
Rest assured, despite the structured portions of the workshop, open discussion will be just that: Whether you are interested in discussing a particular theory or topic of therapy, really getting into the moment experientially, seeking a space in which you may feel free just to be and observe, looking to network with like-minded individuals, or simply wanting to learn from others in a supportive space, there is room for you here! Conversation may be as structured or as structured as participants wish, and there will be no pressure on anyone to participate.
Group norms:
- Members of the group are encouraged to participate through chat or verbally, on video or not.
- If someone is speaking and you wish to add to the conversation, please use the “Raise Hand” button in Zoom and the facilitator will ensure you are included.
- If someone seems to be taking up a lot of conversational space and time or you have another concern, you can message the facilitator privately on Zoom to discuss resolution.
The schedule is as follows, both days running 5 – 8pm UK:
Day 1
1 hour: Community discussion: “What is ‘neuroaffirming’ therapy and how does its practice differ for neurodivergent and neurotypical therapists”?
30-minute: break
1.5-hour: Open Community Discussion
Day 2:
1 hour: Short presentation and community discussion on the language of neurodivergence
30-minute: break
1.5-hour: Open Community Discussion
ZOOM
This event will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group.
SELF-SELECT FEE
The self-select fee is a radical inclusion policy to open learning for all colleagues. The guide price for this event is £20.00, however, we appreciate that income varies greatly in different locations and circumstances. Please contribute what you can to help us maintain inclusive professional training.
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At Onlinevents, we and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a way that aligns with the ethical codes and frameworks of our respective professional organisations. We expect all colleagues attending our events to uphold the ethical principles of their professional membership.
If you are not a member of a professional organisation, we ask that you participate in a way that is both authentic and respectful, fostering a space of mutual learning and professional engagement.
By registering for this event, you agree to be present and interact in a manner that reflects these principles.
Matthew J. Bolton, MSW
I am an autistic-ADHD social worker in the United States with a passion for broadly humanistic practice. I teach university psychology and first-year experience classes and have experience working in crisis intervention. Clinically, I have worked with older neurodivergent adults in a social service-oriented day program as well as teenagers in a school setting, and in private practice. I am an active researcher and writer on matters of life, learning, neurodiversity, psychotherapy, and the person-centered approach.
Website | www.mattbolton.me/