Neurodivergent Therapy for the 21st Century

The field of psychology has historically pathologized Neurodivergent (ND) people and failed to see their innate health and wisdom. But the Neurodivergent Somatics model created by Nyck Walsh MA, LPC, provides clinicians with a concrete framework for providing Neurodivergent affirming care that is anti-ableist, somatic, collaborative, and trauma informed.

This advanced course builds upon the foundations presented in Nyck’s beginner course, The Do’s and Don’ts of Therapy with Neurodivergent Clients. This 3-part, 12-hour training delves into the three tenants of his Neurodivergent Somatics model:

• Pleasure/Neutrality

• Client as Self-Expert

• Global Permission

This learning takes place in two ways. First, we explore specific principles, tools and strategies to apply with clients. Then we learn how to embody and model these principles within ourselves as the therapist and attachment figure to our clients.

Part 1 – Exploring the Neurodivergent Somatics Model

In this session, we explore specific somatic tools and strategies to support nervous system regulation for both clients and us. We learn how to help clients shift from primarily orienting to threat to having more access to parasympathetic states, including pleasure and neutrality. We practice shifting our own states of attention in order to stay present, engaged, and regulated in session. We explore boundaries as a source of differentiation that is essential to client empowerment, clarity, and unmasking. And we play with how this differentiation allows us to trust our clients as the experts on themselves and truly individualize our approach to each client.

Part 2 – Using Neurodivergent Somatics to Nuture Well-Being

In this session, we examine how ableism/internalized ableism lives within us, inadvertently creating rules that dictate what we believe makes a “good” therapist and client. We explore ways to dismantle these rules, support clients in doing so as well, and avoid perpetuating neurotypical norms in the therapy setting. We wander through the forest of accommodations and executive function support that clients need to exist in today’s world and be well. And we discover ways to support our own sustainability and well-being by noticing what supports we may need but didn’t think we were allowed to access.

Part 3 – Disrupting Outdated Norms

In this session, we play with Neuroqueering (Walker, 2021). We discover how disrupting dominant norms of white supremacy, neurotypicality, and cis-heteronormitivity in therapy allows us to more authentically center, honour, support, and celebrate our clients in the fullness of their Neurodivergence. This disruption also gives us more permission to be human and our own unique selves in the therapy space. We delve into how we transition and are supported in our work through ritual and the sacred. And we look at how clients can be best supported in their transitions and their whole selves—mind, body, and soul.

This Neurodivergent Somatics course ends with a focus on joy for both our clients and us. Together, we lean into it as a potent act of resistance in the face of oppression and a vital source of our life force energy.

To purchase click here

Prerequisite: “Neurodivergent Somatics” via Nyck Walsh Counseling and Training Center, “Neurodivergent Somatics Part 1 & 2” via Knowledge Tree, or “Neurodivergent Somatics 3 Part Series” via Leading Edge Seminars.

Welcome back! What a joy it’s been to share my model ND Somatics with you. In support of integration, continued learning, and fostering community among counselors invested in ND affirming work, I’m offering a consultation group. Limited to 5 people to support connection, spaciousness, and reduce potential social anxiety/sensory overload. Given the ways this content is both personal and professional, this group will weave the two together in support of honoring your wholeness as a human and counselor. We will meet monthly for 2 hours. We will use a collaborative approach and as a group will choose what topics feel most relevant/nurturing/desired/curious/interesting. This will be a Neurodivergent affirming, anti-oppressive space, all neurotypes welcome.

So looking forward to connecting and continuing our growth together! -Nyck  

Dates - TBD

Time - TBD

Please email Nyck at hello@nyckwalsh.com to express interest.

The group will be recorded to support accessibility. Upon registering, you are consenting both to the sessions being recorded and to honoring confidentiality by NOT sharing the recording with others. 

Cost - $100 per group; 2 $50 equity spots available for BIPOC and other multiply marginalized folx who are experience systemic oppression due to capitalism, racism, colonization, ableism, homophobia or transphobia. If you are white, NT, cis-het, and non-disabled, please do not choose the equity price. If there are no equity spots left, please email Nyck at hello@nyckwalsh.com to be put on a waitlist for the next group.

Financial Details - After you register (which includes payment for first month’s session), you will receive a follow-up payment agreement form and secure credit/debit card form through Simple Practice (my practice management software), and future payments will be automatically charged to the card on file on teach month on the day we meet). Other payment options include Venmo or Paypal. Full attendance is requested, there are no refunds for missed sessions. The recording will be provided to you in the event of a missed session.

Please let us know about any accommodations you need to get the most out of our time together.