New Pathways to
Neurodiversity Affirming Care
A Clinical Training Program
With Lila Low-Beinart, MA, LPCC
A transformative learning experience that goes beyond professional development, challenging the pathology paradigm to foster deeper compassion and more effective support for neurodivergent clients.
CEs are in the works!
Scratch paper area :)
samples:
https://therapywisdom.com/healing-the-fragmented-selves/​​​​​
To Add:
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Information about CE hours (FAQ?)
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model after this page: https://learn.therapywisdom.com/ce-page-tist1-2025/​
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Information about consult groups
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​Add buttons throughout for “enroll now” that will scroll you to the bottom of the page​
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Requirements for participation (none, but can answer with "who this is for")
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Outline subject to change
Supporting neurodivergent clients can be challenging—even for experienced practitioners.
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Traditional therapy training often fails to address the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.
And yet, neurodivergent people make up 15-20% of the population—that’s comparable to the percentage of individuals struggling with substance use in the U.S.
One day, hopefully soon, training on working with neurodivergent clients will be just as fundamental for mental health professionals as learning to treat substance use disorders.
But right now, most clinicians are left to navigate these complexities without the guidance they need.
That’s where this training comes in.
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Whether you’re just beginning to learn about neurodiversity or you’re looking to refine and deepen your knowledge, this comprehensive training will equip you with the skills to provide truly neurodiversity-affirming therapy.
You’ll move beyond outdated, pathologizing models, embrace a strengths-based framework, and develop the clinical tools needed to create a safe, compassionate, and effective therapeutic environment.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
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Foundational principles of neurodiversity-affirming care: Move beyond deficit-based models and cultivate a strengths-oriented approach.
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The intersection of neurodiversity and trauma: Recognize the distinct ways trauma impacts neurodivergent individuals and their relationships.
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Tailoring therapy to neurodivergent needs: Adapt your modalities to create truly client-centered, affirming care.
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Harnessing the therapeutic relationship for healing: Build safety, trust, and authentic connection to foster growth and secure attachment.
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Understanding neurodivergent communication and relationships: Learn to navigate unique communication styles and support authentic connection.
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Integrating mindfulness and self-regulation strategies: Support emotional regulation and create a safe therapeutic space.
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Identifying implicit biases and fostering neurodiversity acceptance: Engage in deep self-reflection and learn how to advocate for inclusive, affirming spaces.
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Balancing evidence-based practice with neurodivergent client needs: Move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to align research, clinical expertise, and client values.
This training offers more than just knowledge—it provides a transformative perspective that will reshape your approach to therapy.
You’ll gain the confidence and clinical tools to support neurodivergent clients effectively and ethically.
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Because without the right training, we risk missing key aspects of our clients’ experiences—or worse, unintentionally causing harm.
Let’s change that.
Join us in shaping the future of therapy—one that truly affirms and empowers neurodivergent individuals.
This course is for you if...
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You're a mental health practitioner (counselor, social worker, or psychologist) or studying to be one
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You want to begin working with neurodivergent clients and use neurodiversity affirming therapy right from the start
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You already work with neurodivergent clients, and want to deepen your capacity to support them
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You're neurodivergent yourself and want a solid foundation to kickstart your practice, leveraging your unique lived experience
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You're familiar with the neurodiversity paradigm, but want the vast amounts of information presented in an organized manner, making it easier to apply in your practice
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You're a fast learner, trainings dense
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This course is not for you if..
You're not open to challenging your own paradigms around ability and "functioning"
You're not open to transforming yourself as both a person and practitioner
You don't have reliable methods to support yourself as your worldview changes
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
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8 live training days (Every other Friday 9 am till 11:30am am MST Boulder, CO time)
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Live presentation and discussion on Zoom
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Separate consult group sessions for integration of clinical work available
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Suggested reading and resources (multimedia) shared via private website page
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WhatsApp group for asynchronous chat
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Certificate of completion
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Listing on our neurodiversity-affirming therapist directory
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Up to 16 NBCC CE hours available (pending)
About Lila Low-Beinart
Lila’s approach is deeply informed by her lived experience as an autistic, gifted, and HSP individual. In her therapeutic work, she prioritizes learning directly from her clients, as the peer-reviewed literature on autism often falls short of being truly neurodiversity-affirming.
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In addition to this lived experience, Lila brings a strong scientific mindset to her practice, honed through her previous work as a chemist, where she authored multiple peer-reviewed studies and taught internationally.
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As a gifted, autistic autodidact, Lila has a natural talent for teaching. Her trainings, both in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic fields, consistently have a profound impact. In the therapeutic realm, participants frequently have deeply emotional responses, with many moved to tears during her presentations.
Consult group info
​3 consult groups, one regular and one contemplative, one ND affinity space
must be at least
1:15 minutes
Minimum 4 people, max 7 people
75 dollars per group
Pay for all groups. 4 groups total
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Consult groups will continue after training, first come first serve
Here is Everything You'll Learn Inside New Pathways to
Neurodiversity Affirming Care...
Module One
Shifting From a Pathology to Neurodiversity Paradigm
​​This foundational module sets the stage by exploring the systemic roots of trauma experienced by neurodivergent individuals. We delve into how interconnected systems of oppression and marginalization culminate in ableism. Understanding these systems is crucial for therapists to recognize the external sources of their clients' distress and avoid pathologizing neurodivergent traits.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Introduction & Overview of Course
🔹 Tracing Ableism to its Roots
🔹 The Medicalization of Bodies and the Illusion of "Normal"
🔹 The Pathology and Neurodiversity Paradigms
🔹 Types of Neurodivergence & Inclusive Language
🔹 How to increase Self-Awareness to Reduce Bias
Module Two
Recognizing & Understanding Sensory Neurodivergence
This module provides a comprehensive overview of sensory neurodivergence, focusing on autism, ADHD, and giftedness. We examine common misconceptions, masking and camouflaging behaviors, and the importance of strength-based differential diagnosis. Special attention is given to the intersection of neurodivergence with gender, race, and LGBTQIA+ identities. You'll move beyond observing behavior to begin to cultivate deep empathy through understanding the neurodivergent inner world.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Identifying neurodivergence: an intersectional view
🔹 Neurodivergence from the inside out: lived experience
🔹 Self-diagnosis vs. formal diagnosis: pros and cons
🔹 Recognizing masking (and its impact on mental health)
🔹 Strengths & Challenges of autism, ADHD, & giftedness
Module Three
Key Qualities & Practices of a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
This module focuses on the essential qualities and practices of a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. We explore how traditional therapy can inadvertently harm neurodivergent clients and discuss alternative approaches that prioritize power-sharing, cultural humility, and responsiveness. We will begin to translate these principles into practical clinical skills, focusing on the initial stages of client interaction and assessment.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 How to communicate effectively with your clients
🔹 Communicating effectively with neurodivergent clients
🔹 Affirming psychoeducation on relationships for clients
🔹 Empowering clients to cultivate authentic connections
🔹 Developing skills in assertiveness & boundary-setting
🔹 Rejection sensitivity dysphoria, demand avoidance, PDA
Module Four
Tailoring Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients
This module delves into the process of selecting and tailoring therapeutic approaches for neurodivergent clients. We discuss the importance of client-centered work, attachment-based therapy, and how to adapt therapeutic modalities. We'll address masking, connecting clients with resource, and supporting identity development. We'll also examine evidence-based care, balancing scientific research with clinical expertise and client values.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Deconstructing evidence-based care
🔹 Client-centered and attachment-informed therapy
🔹 Integrating your therapeutic modalities of choice
🔹 How to help clients unmask
🔹 The importance of connecting clients to resources
🔹 Neurodivergent identity development
Module Five
Building a Trauma-Informed Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
This module examines the intersection of neurodiversity and trauma, focusing on the unique trauma experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We discuss the impact of sensory overload, misattunement, social exclusion, and ableist trauma. The module also covers how to recognize signs of trauma in neurodivergent clients and the impact of trauma on attachment and relationships.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 The intersection of neurodivergence & trauma
🔹 Distinguishing between trauma and neurodivergent traits
🔹 The impact of trauma on attachment and relationships
Module Six
Applying Trauma Models to Neurodivergent Clients
This module explores various trauma models and their application to neurodivergent trauma. We discuss the polyvagal theory, the structural dissociation theory, and somatic understandings of trauma, providing practical examples and techniques for working with traumatized neurodivergent clients. Special topics include alexithymia and meltdowns/shutdowns.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Applying trauma models to neurodivergent clients
🔹 Reframing resistance to reduce therapist burnout
🔹 Working with the 3 different types of alexithymia
🔹 Supporting clients with meltdowns & shutdowns
Module Seven
Fostering Authentic Neurodivergent Relationships
This module explores the landscape of neurodivergent communication and relationships, blending clinical insight with affirming practice. We'll explore how ableism and trauma can shape social experiences, and empower clients to build and nurture authentic connections. The therapeutic relationship is emphasized as a foundational space for safety and affirming support.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Affirming relationship psychoeducation for clients
🔹 Creating therapeutic relationship that nurture and heal
🔹 Empowering clients to cultivate authentic connections
🔹 Developing skills in assertiveness & boundary-setting
🔹 Rejection sensitivity dysphoria, demand avoidance, PDA
Module Eight
Integrating Mindfulness, Self-Regulation, and Decolonization
This module integrates mindfulness, self-regulation, and decolonization practices into neurodiversity-affirming therapy. We discuss the importance of contemplative therapy, co-regulation, and ongoing implicit bias work. The module also addresses the unique experiences of neurodivergent therapists and the importance of supervision and support
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 The power of mindfulness to enhance client relationship
🔹 Collaborative self and co-regulation strategies
🔹 Continuous self-reflection for dismantling implicit bias
🔹 Supporting neurodivergent peers: supervision & beyond
🔹 Summarizing key learnings & conclude this learning path
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format like on the training days?​​
The training occurs every other Friday for 2-2.5 hours and is delivered live in a group on Zoom. From 11 am until 12 pm*, Lila will present material related to the module of that session. Then there will be a 5 min break to stretch, grab a snack, or take a bio break. From 12:05 pm to 1 pm the group will discuss the presentation, do some quick practice sessions with each other, and debrief. *All times are in MST, please check your time zone.
Consult Groups
If this course is unaffordable to you, please email trainings@divergentpathscounseling.com to discuss sliding scale options.
Module One
From Pathology to Neurodiversity Paradigm
​​This foundational module sets the stage by exploring the systemic roots of trauma experienced by neurodivergent individuals. We delve into how capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, racism, and ableism intersect to create environments of oppression and marginalization. Understanding these systems is crucial for therapists to recognize the external sources of their clients' distress and avoid pathologizing neurodivergent traits.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Introduction & Overview of Course
🔹 Tracing Ableism to its Roots
🔹 The Medicalization of Bodies and the Illusion of "Normal"
🔹 Shifting from Pathology to Neurodiversity Paradigm
🔹 Types of Neurodivergence & Inclusive Language
🔹 Increasing Self-Awareness to Reduce Bias
Module Two
Recognizing & Understanding Sensory Neurodivergence
This module provides a comprehensive overview of sensory neurodivergence, focusing on autism, ADHD, and giftedness. We examine common misconceptions, masking and camouflaging behaviors, and the importance of strength-based differential diagnosis. Special attention is given to the intersection of neurodivergence with gender, race, and LGBTQIA+ identities.
In this Module, we will explore:
🔹 Identifying neurodivergence: an intersectional view
🔹 Self-diagnosis vs. formal diagnosis: pros and cons
🔹 Recognizing masking (and its impact on mental health)
🔹 Strengths & Challenges of autism, ADHD, & giftedness
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Course Length: 4 months
Session #: 8
Session Frequency: 2 sessions a month (every other week)
Session Length: 2-2.5 hours per session
Session structure: Half lecture/half integration (10 min break?)
Homework: Not required - will offer additional readings
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Practice requirements: Quick practice sessions in training (do with each other, 30 min, debrief)
Dates and Time:
Friday mornings 9am-11am MT (might be 2.5 hours, maybe only first session)
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Aug 29th 2025
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Sept 12th 2025
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Sept 26th 2025
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Oct 10th 2025
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Oct 24th 2025
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Nov 7th 2025
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Nov 21st 2025
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Dec 5th 2025​​​
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Receive upon completion:
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Certificate
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x CE hours
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Addition to Lila’s ND-Affirming Therapist directory
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Personal and professional transformation
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Better understanding of how to support neurodivergent clients and/or yourself
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Sliding Scale
If this course is unaffordable to you,
please email trainings@divergentpathscounseling.com
and we can discuss sliding scale options.