Neurodiversity Trainings
For Mental Health Professionals
Full transcript of video just below
Hi, I’m Nyck Walsh, a Neurodivergent therapist. I created this training for therapists like you to:
Reduce harm in the therapy space with Neurodivergent folx and start to dismantle ableism
Provide you with concrete anti-ableist somatic tools and strategies to use with your clients, and
Provide knowledge, insight, and psychoeducation about how the Neurodivergent mind body and nervous system work.
We’ll focus on Autism and ADH. I leave off the last D because it is way too pathologizing (the first D isn’t great either, but more on that in the training).
We’ll go over what works, what doesn’t work, and how to create a safer therapy space for your clients. My intention is that not only will you come away feeling more competent, but you’ll also have greater access to your creativity, your inner wisdom, and aliveness in the therapy room. I hope you’ll join me so that we learn and grow together!
What we cover in our trainings
Neurodiversity paradigm vs. pathology paradigm
Self identification in the Autistic community
Intersections between Neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities
Primary responsibilities of the therapist in ND affirming, anti-oppressive care
Ways to build a relationship that’s safer for the client
Anti-ableist somatic resourcing as a primary tool
Harm reduction and dismantling ableism
Psychoeducation about the Neurodivergent mind-body and nervous system
Emphasis on Autism and ADH (commonly referred to as ADHD)
Still have questions?
Click below to hear Nyck explain what to expect from the training from the perspective of former participants.
To watch with subtitles click here:
Coming Soon:
The field of psychology has historically pathologized Neurodivergent (ND) people and failed to see their innate health and wisdom. Nyck Walsh’s model, Neurodivergent Somatics, provides clinicians with a concrete framework for providing ND-affirming care that is anti-ableist, somatic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. In Part 3 of this training, we will play with how questioning and dismantling normativity in the therapy room, particularly neurotypicality, colonization, white supremacy, and cis-heteronormativity, allows us to more authentically center, honor, support, and even celebrate our clients and ourselves. This will include some of the logistical and practical elements of being a therapist, whether in private practice, an agency, or other settings. In doing so, we all have more permission to be human and to be our own unique selves, no matter what our neurotype(s).
We will delve into how we transition and how we are supported in our work through ritual and the sacred. This is in service to reducing burnout and honoring wholeness. We will end with a focus on joy for both our clients and ourselves, leaning into joy as a potent act of resistance in the face of oppression and a vital source of energizing our life force.
Click HERE to register for the full 4-workshop series at a substantial discount!
Workshop Agenda:
Introduction (30 minutes)
Creating a Neurodivergent affirming, anti-oppressive learning experience
Group agreements
Brief recap from Parts 1 & 2 of this series
Questioning normativity in the therapy space (75 minutes)
Exploring practical and logistical elements of counseling that likely have oppression embedded within them
Examining how these elements, such as scheduling, intake paperwork, money, policies, communication, and more, can be deconstructed to be more affirming for both counselors and their clients
Creating an accessible and realistic action plan for implementing change
Break (60 minutes)
Exploring transitions, ritual, and the sacred (75 minutes)
The relevance of transitions for ND people and their counselors, both within and outside of the therapy space
How implementing personalized rituals can support clients and therapists alike through these transitions
Inviting the sacred into this work in a personalized way to support wholeness, reduce burnout, and offer meaning
Joy! (60 minutes)
Exploring joy as a potent form of resistance to systemic oppression
Supporting clients to implement customized passion rituals into their lives
Supporting therapists to take breaks that prioritize rest, pleasure, or joy as a vital means of reducing burnout and honoring their humanity
To register JUST for Part 3: www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-somatics-part-3
To register for the discounted bundle (which includes all of the pre-reqs): https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-clients-nd-somatics-bundle
In the midst of the national backlash on trans and non-binary people, in addition to backlash on Autistic and VAST (a more affirming alternative to what is medically known as ADHD) people, community and solidarity are more important than ever!
Please note that this space is ONLY for therapists who are trans/non-binary AND Autistic and/or VAST (ie ND and trans/non-binary). Thank you to all of the cis and NT allies out there for understanding.
My intention is to co-create a space for us to exist as our whole selves in, where we invest in continued learning/unlearning and growth, give and receive support, and be nourished and held in our humanity. Being human in 2025, let alone a trans/non-binary ND therapist, is a huge feat.
We will meet monthly online for 2 hours. 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 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.
Pre-requisite: The Dos and Donts training and ideally the 2 or 3 part ND Somatics training
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.
Cost - $75-100 per group; you will not be turned away for lack of funds, so please reach out for financial support if needed
Please let us know about any accommodations you need to get the most out of our time together.
* PRE-REQUISITE REQUIREMENTS: The Dos and Donts training is the pre-requisite to all other trainings. The ND Somatics Training (whether as a beta member, cohort member, 2 Part series with The Knowledge Tree, or 3 Part series with Leading Edge Seminars) is the pre-requisite to the Consultation Group
On Demand Asynchronous Learning Opportunities
Hosted by The Knowledge Tree, 3 US CEUs available. $87. Click here to register (you will be taken to The Knowledge Tree’s website)
Did you know that the rate of PTSD in Autistic people is 35%-42%, and 12%-37% in ADH (ADH is medically known as ADHD; Nyck will explain why he leaves off the last “D”) people, compared to 4% of the general population? This disturbing statistic is the fundamental reason why Autistic and ADH people need anti-ableist, trauma-informed therapy from clinicians who understand that being Neurodivergent (ND) does not equate to being a flawed or broken neuronormative person. While unique to every individual, the ND nervous system, mind, and body need its own approach that centers somatic resourcing, the client as self-expert, and understanding of the Neurodiversity paradigm versus the long-standing pathology paradigm. We will focus on language to use and to avoid, self-identification in the Autistic community, attributes or qualities that may suggest a client is Neurodivergent, and tools to approach your clients from a trauma-informed lens. In addition to learning how to better support your clients, you will discover more of your own uniqueness and access greater creativity and permission in your role as a therapist.
Hosted by The Knowledge Tree, 3 US CEUs available. $87. Click here to register (you will be taken to The Knowledge Tree’s website)
Purchase this on-demand training through Leading Edge Seminars, 3 Canadian CEUs available. $139 CAD to register. Click here to register (you will be taken to the Leading Edge Seminars website)
Are you a practicing therapist looking to increase your effectiveness with Neurodivergent (or potentially Neurodivergent) clients?
Nyck’s personal and professional journey will provide you with new insights and a framework to use in your practice that is often overlooked in professional training.
Elevate your psychotherapy practice with this specialized training course tailored to therapists dedicated to providing anti-ableist, trauma informed therapy for Neurodivergent individuals, with a specific focus on Autism and ADH (attention deficit hyperactivity). (Nyck will explain why they believe the second “D” in ADHD should be omitted.)
In this course, you will acquire an in-depth understanding of the intricate Autistic and ADH nervous system, mind, and body, acknowledging the uniqueness of each client. You will also learn the value of anti-ableist somatic resourcing, which focuses on sensory delights, invoking pleasure and neutrality, and accessing present moment awareness in order to evoke parasympathetic states.
The “neurodiversity paradigm” will also be explored in this course. The neurodiversity paradigm advocates for acceptance, inclusion, and accommodation of Neurodivergent individuals in society. In essence, it challenges the traditional medical model that pathologizes neurological differences. Instead, it teaches that all neurotypes are equally valid, wise, and necessary.
Plus, you will discover essential topics that are vital to working with Neurodivergent clients, including language to use and to avoid, guiding self-identification within the Autistic community, and recognizing Autistic traits in your clients.
You will also learn to apply a trauma informed lens, thus creating a safer therapeutic environment for Neurodivergent clients that nurtures growth.
Purchase this on-demand training through Leading Edge Seminars, 3 Canadian CEUs available. $139 CAD to register. Click here to register (you will be taken to the Leading Edge Seminars website)
This training is hosted by The Knowledge Tree and must be accessed on their website. Please click here to purchase:
Part 1: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-somatics-part-1-online
Part 2: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-somatics-part-2-online
Package Bundle: Dos and Donts and ND Somatics Parts 1, 2 & 3: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-clients-nd-somatics-bundle
.The field of psychology has historically pathologized Neurodivergent (ND) people and failed to see their innate health and wisdom. Nyck Walsh’s model, Neurodivergent Somatics, provides clinicians with a concrete framework for providing ND-affirming care that is anti-ableist, somatic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Building upon the foundations from “The Dos and Donts of Counseling with ND Clients,” this 2 Part series will delve into the model’s three tenets: Pleasure/Neutrality, Global Permission, and Client as Self-expert. We will learn how to apply them to both clients and the therapists who work with them.
In Part 1, we will explore specific somatic tools and strategies to support nervous system regulation for both clients and therapists. We will explore boundaries as a source of differentiation essential to empowerment, clarity, and unmasking, both for clients and therapists. Through learning and applying these principles to your counseling practice, you will benefit not only your ND clients but all of your clients.
In Part 2 of this training, we will continue our exploration of Client as Self-Expert and cover Global Permission. We will examine how ableism/internalized ableism lives within us and inadvertently creates rules that dictate what we believe makes a "good" therapist and client. We will wander through the forest of accommodations and executive function support that clients and therapists need to exist in this world and be well. Through learning and applying these principles to your counseling practice, you will benefit not only your ND clients but all of your clients.
This training is hosted by The Knowledge Tree and must be accessed on their website. Please click here to purchase:
Part 1: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-somatics-part-1-online
Part 2: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-somatics-part-2-online
Package Bundle: Dos and Donts and ND Somatics Parts 1, 2 & 3: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/neurodivergent-clients-nd-somatics-bundle
Pre-Requisite: The Do's and Don'ts foundational training with Nyck Walsh
Click here to purchase (you will be redirected to Leading Edge Seminars website): https://leadingedgeseminars.org/event/neurodivergent-somatics-psychotherapy/#1708550568343-a2e605c5-17af
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 Nurture 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.
(Please note that there is an extra hour+ of content that is included in the above description, but not covered in the 12 hours…meaning that this course turned out to be just over 13 hours)
Click here to purchase: https://leadingedgeseminars.org/event/neurodivergent-somatics-psychotherapy/#1708550568343-a2e605c5-17af
$429 CAD
