Neurodivergent Group Therapy

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I am offering a therapy group for individuals who have reached an understanding in adulthood that they may be neurodivergent. This could be through self-research or through diagnosis.

It is essential that we understand our own individual needs when it comes to our neurodivergence. Simply understanding that there is a diagnosable condition does not have to be the final step. You can work through to understand how your neurodivergence impacts you on a day-to-day basis, and gain an insight into how to support yourself in that impact.

It can be overwhelming to consider allowing ourselves to be seen for who we really are in a world that favours a neurotypical lens. In group therapy, you can explore unmasking and allowing yourself to be seen by others who have a shared experience (including the therapist).

Group therapy can be extremely helpful in challenging our thoughts, feelings and behaviours when it comes to both relationships and our interpersonal world.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy is a space for a small gathering of individuals, facilitated by a qualified therapist, to come together to discuss and explore their experiences.

Participants are asked to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive and confidential environment. Group therapy offers a platform for members to give and receive feedback, offer insights, and learn from each other’s perspectives. The interactions within the group promote self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth, while also allowing individuals to practise new ways of relating and communicating.

Overall, group therapy provides a unique opportunity for individuals to collaborate, heal, and develop coping strategies in the company of others facing similar challenges.

Why neurodivergence in adults?

When I came to the understanding that I have autism, I was already in my thirties. This revelation led me to experience a wide range of feelings. On the one hand, there was a huge sense of relief which came from finally making sense of many aspects of my life; on the other, a heavy grief for the version of me who had to adapt to the world around me for so long.

This has motivated me to set up a group for those who have only learned this about themselves in adulthood. Each individual will have their own story of how this has been for them. In group therapy, that experience will be respected as an individual experience, while also being held in the safety of those who may resonate with your story.

Coming to this realisation as an adult can come with:

Feelings of being missed or not seen
Burnout from having to mask or adapt to a neurotypical world
A felt sense of life always being hard
Grief with how life could have been if you had known sooner
A lasting impact of shame from holding that you are “alien” or “different”

How to join the group

Be sure to check out any upcoming terms to see current availability.

Ensure you’ve read through the inclusion criteria to make sure the group is a good fit for you.

Complete the group therapy application (this will download a word document) and send to: info@leighwhittakertherapy.co.uk

If based on this we both agree that the group would be beneficial for you, we will confirm a date for a £50 deposit to be paid. This would be to secure your place on a term. This can then be deducted from the overall cost when going ahead (for example: you have paid £50 deposit, and then only have £160 outstanding for the rest of the term). Though if you do not go ahead, the £50 is non refundable (unless the group therapy does not go ahead for any unforeseen reason).

If there are any questions you have that aren’t covered here, or you’d like to discuss anything with me further, please contact info@leighwhittakertherapy.co.uk and we can arrange a call.

My qualifications

Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling from Northern Guild
Diploma in Integrative Relational Psychotherapy from Scarborough Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute
Certificate in Group Facilitation Skills from PCI College

FAQ's

Am I eligible for this group?

If you are an adult (over 18) who considers themselves to be neurodivergent (you do not have to be diagnosed) then yes, you are eligible to join this group.

The “umbrella of neurodivergence” may cover the following (but not inclusive of):

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Conditions
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
Dyscalculia
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

You can check out the inclusion criteria to see further information about other requirements.

Does it matter where in the UK I am based?

No! This is an online group so you can join from anywhere in the UK. As long as you have a working internet connection, microphone and webcam.

Why choose group over individual therapy?

Firstly, you can join the group even if you are also in individual therapy, as it is a very different experience.

However, if you are looking for further understanding on why you may choose this over individual therapy, the following can be considered:

It is a way of accessing lower cost private therapy.
Group therapy helps normalise our experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and shame.
Being pre/post diagnosed with Neurodivergence can often feel like we’ve been given a new journey, but no map to help us navigate it. Group Therapy creates an opportunity for us to come together and create this map collaboratively.
Observing others in the group can provide powerful examples of coping strategies and behaviours. Seeing how others handle similar problems can inspire and motivate change.
Group therapy offers a safe environment to practice social skills, communication, and relationship-building. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties and of course neurodivergent folks.

What are the benefits of group therapy being online?

Online group therapy allows for many benefits, including:

You are able to share and relate with a Neurodivergent community from all around the UK.
Many Neurodivergent people can find that being online feels more comfortable for them.
Participants can join sessions from anywhere with internet access, making it easier for those with mobility issues, living in remote areas, or with busy schedules.
Online therapy eliminates travel time and costs, making it more convenient for individuals with tight schedules.

How often and how long?

Through my own experience as an autistic person and from working with Neurodivergent individuals over the years, I have found that a recurring theme is consistency and predictability. Therefore, I have made the decision to run these sessions in “terms”.

A “term” will be 6 consecutive sessions over 6 weeks (unless stated otherwise). Any term you are signed up for, you will be with the same group and not have to worry about any unexpected new faces appearing during that entire term.

Each session will run for 90 minutes.

Each session will have a theme, therefore you will know what kind of topic will be explored in advance of the session.

You can come along for one term, or for as many as you like - this part is completely up to you.

What if groups make me feel anxious?

I suspect this is a very normal worry, especially for us neurodivergent folk! Being in a group may remind us of unpleasant experiences from the past, or cause general anxiety for a myriad of reasons.

This is something we can discuss before you join, and I would even encourage you to bring it with you into the group - I guarantee you won’t be alone in this thought!

How many will be in a group?

A group holds a maximum of 4 participants (5 including myself) - this allows plenty of space to process together as well as not being too overwhelming to hold so many people on the same screen.

How much does this cost?

The cost for group therapy is £210 per term. This may seem like a steep cost at first glance, but broken down into 6 sessions this is £35 per 90 minutes.

As a quick point of comparison, a 50 minute session for individual therapy often starts at £60.

If you would prefer to pay this in chunks to support affordability, we can agree this together.

What if I need to cancel or can’t make one of the sessions in a term?

It is asked that you attend as much of a term as possible, but we all have lives so there may be some you can’t make! I would ask that you give as much notice as possible. Costs are covered per term, not session, so there would be no refund on a missed session.

Do you offer any discounts?

Unfortunately as this is already a lower cost therapy option, prices are fixed.

How can I secure a place?

Be sure to check out any upcoming terms to see current availability.

Ensure you've read through the inclusion criteria to make sure the group is a good fit for you..

Complete the group therapy application and send to: info@leighwhittakertherapy.co.uk

If there are any questions you have that aren’t covered here, or you’d like to discuss anything with me further, please contact info@leighwhittakertherapy.co.uk and we can arrange a call.