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Nov 196 min read

The Neurodivergent Guide to Coaching and Therapy—For Clients and Practitioners

Creating Inclusive Coaching and Therapy: A Neurodivergent Guide for Clients




At The Work Psychologists, we’ve seen a striking rise in neurodivergent (ND) clients seeking support to thrive in the workplace. This reflects a much broader societal shift: one in seven people in the UK is now considered neurodivergent, with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia increasingly recognised and diagnosed. In higher education, the statistics are equally eye-opening—there’s been a 70% increase in disclosures of neurodivergent conditions and a 98% rise in autism diagnoses between 2014 and 2019 (BPS, 2023). These figures underscore the growing recognition of neurodiversity across society, driven by better diagnostic tools, increased awareness, and a shift in understanding that spans workplaces, educational institutions, and beyond.


With this increased awareness comes a critical need to rethink how coaching and therapy are provided for ND individuals. Traditional one-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work. ND clients bring unique strengths and challenges to environments that were often built for neurotypical minds. By tailoring support and creating inclusive spaces, we can help ND individuals not just survive, but thrive in both their personal and professional lives.


Why Traditional Methods May Not Work for Neurodivergent Individuals

Many standard therapeutic models were designed for neurotypical clients, which can limit their effectiveness for ND individuals. Here’s why certain traditional methods require adaptation:


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is widely used to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. However, its traditional reliance on introspection and emotional regulation can be challenging for some ND clients, particularly those with alexithymia—difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. Research (Rossiter & Holmes, 2013) indicates that ND individuals often find traditional CBT’s introspective demands ineffective or overwhelming. However, adapted CBT approaches that focus more on practical strategies can better engage ND clients, allowing them to benefit from therapy without feeling pressured by emotional introspection. 


Unstructured Talk Therapy

Unstructured talk therapy may not suit ND clients, who often benefit from clear, predictable structures. Open-ended conversations can increase anxiety or disengagement, especially for clients with language processing differences. The Authentistic Research Collective (2021) highlights that structured methods like Transactional Analysis (TA) offer ND clients a clearer framework for understanding interactions, reducing stress and fostering more effective engagement.


Evidence-Based Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients: Why TA and Clean Language Work


Transactional Analysis (TA): Structure and Predictability

TA helps break down social interactions into three "ego states"—Parent, Adult, and Child. This structured approach helps ND clients understand and navigate social dynamics, which can otherwise feel confusing due to implicit social rules and expectations.

For example, ND clients may struggle with workplace interactions where expectations are unclear. TA provides a framework that helps them recognise and interpret the roles and patterns in these interactions, giving them the tools to respond confidently and effectively. By offering predictability and structure, TA reduces social anxiety and improves communication.


Clean Language: Reducing Cognitive Load and Enhancing Clarity

Clean Language, uses non-directive, simple questions to help clients articulate their thoughts and experiences in their own words. For ND individuals, who may find conventional therapeutic language overly abstract or demanding, Clean Language provides a more accessible way to engage with therapy.

Instead of asking emotionally loaded or abstract questions like "How do you feel?", Clean Language helps clients explore their thoughts without the pressure of fitting into neurotypical frameworks. Questions like "What kind of feeling is that?" or "What happens next?" encourage exploration while reducing cognitive strain. Research supports the effectiveness of Clean Language in reducing anxiety and fostering deeper engagement for ND clients.


Practical Needs and Themes in Neurodivergent-Focused Coaching and Therapy

While every ND individual is unique, certain themes commonly arise in therapy and coaching. Here are some of the key areas where ND clients frequently seek support:


1. Managing Uncertainty

Uncertainty can be a significant source of anxiety for ND clients. Coaching can help by developing strategies such as breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, creating contingency plans, and establishing routines that reduce stress around ambiguity.


2. Use of Metaphors and Analogies

Metaphors and analogies can simplify complex or abstract concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand for ND clients. These cognitive tools help clients engage more fully with therapeutic ideas.


3. Practical Social Skills Support

Navigating social interactions can be difficult for ND clients, especially in environments with implicit social norms. Coaching that focuses on practical social skills—through role-playing, scenario planning, or frameworks like TA—can help clients manage social dynamics with greater confidence.


4. Data-Driven Understanding of Individual Differences

Psychometric tools can provide valuable insights into an ND client’s cognitive strengths and challenges. This data-driven understanding allows for more tailored and effective interventions, ensuring the support provided is highly personalised. The Genius Finder is a brilliant tool to help you understand your unique spiky profile. 


5. Radical Acceptance

Radical acceptance involves fully acknowledging and valuing a client’s neurodivergence. ND clients thrive in environments where they feel accepted for who they are, without pressure to conform to neurotypical norms. This approach builds self-confidence and supports long-term growth.


6. Removing Barriers

ND clients often face systemic and environmental barriers. Addressing these barriers might include practical adjustments like offering phone sessions instead of Zoom, providing quiet workspaces instead of noisy open-plan offices, or using job crafting to adapt roles to better align with an individual’s strengths while addressing challenges.


7. Psychoeducation

Helping ND clients understand their neurodivergence through psychoeducation can empower them to advocate for their needs, develop effective coping strategies, and navigate both personal and professional environments with greater confidence.


How to Choose a Neurodivergent-Aware Therapist or Coach

Selecting the right practitioner is crucial for ND clients to feel understood and supported. Here’s what to look for:


Therapists and coaches who work with neurodivergent (ND) clients should have specialised training in neurodiversity, along with practical experience in this field. Familiarity with methods like Transactional Analysis (TA) and Clean Language is crucial, as these approaches are better suited to the unique needs of ND clients. While practitioners with lived experience of neurodivergence can bring valuable insights to their work, it's essential they also have formal training to manage complex therapeutic challenges, especially when it comes to co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.


Sensory awareness is another critical aspect, as many ND clients have sensory sensitivities; practitioners should be prepared to create adaptable environments—whether that means dimmable lighting, noise reduction, or offering remote sessions to accommodate individual sensory needs. Additionally, ND clients tend to benefit from structured and predictable communication, so it’s helpful to seek therapists who provide session outlines, summaries, and reminders for upcoming sessions. These practices can reduce anxiety and build a sense of security, allowing clients to feel more in control of their therapeutic journey.


Moving Toward Inclusive Therapy and Coaching

As our understanding of neurodiversity evolves, it’s clear that inclusive therapeutic and coaching practices are essential. Given that one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent, it’s highly likely that many ND employees are already part of your organisation. However, not all workplaces are designed to meet the diverse needs of their staff.


At The Work Psychologists, we share a vision of workplaces that go beyond basic accommodations to foster true inclusivity. Inspired by the growing movement to celebrate neurodiversity, we believe that workplaces should be designed to accommodate all of our unique needs. This approach benefits everyone, enabling both ND and neurotypical individuals to thrive and contribute their best work. By creating thoughtfully designed, inclusive environments, we can ensure that every employee can bring their full potential to the workplace.


Let’s continue the conversation: how is your organisation evolving to support neurodivergent employees? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s work together to create more inclusive workplaces.


Additional Recommended Reading

For more insights on neurodivergent-friendly approaches, here are some valuable resources:



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