What Is Neuro-Affirming Practice? Supporting Neurodivergent Clients with Louise Lucas

As knowledge of neurodivergence increases in the general population, more and more therapists are working with neurodivergent clients.  However, traditional therapeutic approaches – designed for neurotypical people – may not meet their needs.  So how can therapists work in a genuinely neuro-affirming way?

When I first spoke to Louise Lucas a couple of years ago, she spoke of how she was beginning to integrate her AuDHD diagnosis into her work as a therapist.  This week, I welcomed her back to the podcast to speak about her new book:  A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients. 

Rather than focusing on diagnosis, Louise shares a practical framework that helps therapists understand how to support neurodivergent clients with compassion, curiosity and acceptance.

You can listen to the full interview here:

If you would like to subscribe to the podcast, click here.

Neuro-Affirming Practice Starts with Understanding

Louise described a fundamental shift in our thinking about neurodivergent brains: they’re not broken, they’re different.

This means that rather than asking how a person should change to fit in, it is about examining what is happening for them in a world that is designed for neurotypical people.

Understanding someone’s experience provides the foundation for meaningful therapy.

The Three Stages of Neurodivergent Wellbeing

Louise’s workbook is built around three stages:

Knowledge

When clients know how neurodivergence can impact people – for example, sensory issues – they are able to find an explanation for their previous experiences.

Understanding

This knowledge enables clients to understand what impacts their wellbeing.  Each person is different and so they are able to work on their own needs, triggers, sensory issues and exploring the impact of the context in which they live.

Acceptance

Armed with the knowledge of what it is to be neurodivergent in a neurotypical world and understanding its impact on them, clients are able to accept themselves with compassion rather than criticism.

Neurodivergent wellbeing is about recognising what needs accommodating rather than trying to force people to fit expectations that don’t fit them.

Regulation Before Change

Louise described her “Two Spirals Model”.

One spiral represents dysregulation.  

As people become overwhelmed, they have less capacity, find it difficult to meet their own needs and become more self-critical.

The other spiral moves upwards.

When people begin to meet their needs, understand how to regulate themselves and are self-compassionate, they gain more capacity and life becomes more manageable.

Louise encourages therapists to think about regulation before change. People are usually able to function better when they feel safe, regulated and understood.

Why Context Matters

Rather than locating the problem within the individual, Louise encourages clients to consider what other factors are at play.

For example:

• Their environment
• Relationships
• Wider societal expectations
• Privilege

These all influence wellbeing and what looks like a problem at an individual level may be a response to living in a world that doesn’t meet people’s needs.

By paying attention to context it is possible to be introduce compassion and reduce shame and self-criticism.

One of the most moving moments in the interview is Louise describing clients who realise:

“It’s not just me”.

Final Thoughts

My main takeaway from the interview with Louise was that of compassion.  When we’re able to understand how people experience their world, we’re able to help them move away from shame towards self-compassion.  

Neuro-affirming practice is about helping people move towards understanding and self-acceptance so that they can be more fully themselves.

I think the same is true for therapists. The more we understand our own strengths, values and the way we naturally work, the more authentic and sustainable our private practice becomes.

That’s one of the reasons I created Therapy Growth Group: to give therapists a supportive community where they can grow their confidence, develop their practice and build a business that feels true to who they are.

If you’d like support to create a private practice that reflects your own values and strengths, I’d love to welcome you into Therapy Growth Group. You can find out more here.

FAQ’s

What is neuro-affirming practice?

Neuro-affirming practice is an approach that recognises neurodivergent brains as different rather than disordered. Instead of trying to change autistic or ADHD clients to fit neurotypical expectations, therapists work to understand each person’s experiences, strengths and support needs.

What is the difference between neuro-affirming practice and traditional therapy?

Traditional approaches may focus on reducing behaviours that are seen as different. Neuro-affirming practice focuses on understanding why those behaviours exist and helping clients build a life that supports their wellbeing rather than masking who they are.

How can therapists become more neuro-affirming?

Therapists can begin by learning about neurodivergence, listening to the lived experiences of neurodivergent people and remaining curious about how each client experiences the world. Small changes, such as considering sensory needs, reducing shame and adapting the therapy process, can make a significant difference.

Why is self-compassion important for neurodivergent clients?

Many neurodivergent people have spent years feeling misunderstood or criticised. Developing self-compassion helps clients move away from shame and self-criticism towards greater self-acceptance and wellbeing.

Why does context matter in neuro-affirming practice?

Neuro-affirming practice recognises that wellbeing is influenced by more than the individual. Factors such as relationships, environment, societal expectations and accessibility all affect how someone experiences the world and should be considered within therapy.

What is the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model?

The Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model, developed by Louise Lucas, helps therapists understand how regulation, self-compassion, acceptance and context influence a client’s wellbeing. It encourages therapists to prioritise understanding before focusing on change.

What is the Two Spirals Model?

The Two Spirals Model describes how dysregulation can lead to reduced capacity and increased self-criticism, while regulation, self-compassion and meeting basic needs help people build resilience and sustainable wellbeing.

Do I need specialist training to work with neurodivergent clients?

Every therapist can begin developing a more neuro-affirming approach. Continuing professional development can increase confidence, but listening to clients, remaining curious and adapting your practice are important first steps.