What does a neuro-affirming practice look like in the therapy room?

As awareness of neurodivergence grows, many therapists want to work in ways that better support their neurodivergent clients. But moving beyond theory and knowing how to apply neuro-affirming practice in real life can feel challenging.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm delighted to welcome back Louise Lucas who described how she'd discovered her own autism and ADHD in episode 7, and how this had transformed her personal life and practice.

Since then she's continued to develop her Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model and has written a book: A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients.

In this conversation, Louise explains how her own experiences shaped her work and why neuro-affirming practice is about far more than understanding a diagnosis. We explore how therapists can help clients move from shame and self-criticism towards self-understanding, compassion and a sustainable wellbeing.

Takeaways:

• What neuro-affirming practice means in everyday therapy
• The Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model and the Two Spirals
• Why knowledge, understanding and acceptance all matter
• Understanding "spiky profiles"
• Why context is essential when working with neurodivergent clients
• Helping clients move from shame to self-compassion
• Supporting regulation through basic needs and sustainable self-care
• What every therapist should understand about working with neurodivergent clients

Louise Lucas is a therapist, supervisor and trainer specialising in neurodivergent wellbeing and neuro-affirming practice. She developed the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model to help therapists and clients better understand regulation, self-compassion and sustainable wellbeing.

Her new book, A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients, is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in September 2026.

You can find out more at Louise's website curiosityspot.co.uk

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The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.