Overview
The Square Model, created by neurodivergent psychologists Monique Mitchelson and Anna Clarke, is designed to showcase and address the underlying needs of Autistic and ADHD people in therapy. Rooted in both professional and lived experience, and up to date research and guidelines, this model offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to supporting Neurodivergent clients with a focus on Autism and ADHD.
Our Square Model workshops offer a comprehensive program to update your knowledge, practice, and ethical requirements through outlining the latest research and practice guidelines on Autism and ADHD, and the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement through the Social Model of Disability. We explore the essential elements that Neurodivergent people need to access therapy effectively — including sensory needs, interoception needs, communication needs, and executive functioning needs. The Square Model also highlights the heightened risk of burnout and trauma among Neurodivergent individuals, ensuring these critical aspects are acknowledged and addressed to enable therapy to be appropriately adapted to meet Neurodivergent needs.
Through our interactive and engaging workshops, we’re bringing this model to life, equipping professionals with the tools to better support Neurodivergent clients accessing mental health support to address co-occurring mental health issues and understand their neurodivergence.
By shifting attitudes and building understanding, the Square Model provides a powerful framework for adapting your practice regardless of therapeutic model, that meets Neurodivergent people where they are — not where the world expects them to be.
Learning Outcomes
Phase One: Essentials of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
💻 7 hours delivered via on-demand - access 60 days prior to event💻
- You will learn the historical context of Autism and ADHD, Models of Disability, the history and pillars of the Neurodiversity Affirming Paradigm and social movement, self reflection on implicit biases and stereotypes, legal and ethical frameworks, best practice standards for working with Autism and ADHD including for screening and therapy.
Phase Two: The Square Model (2-day in-person workshop)
To learn how to support Autistic and ADHD individuals in a Neurodiversity Affirming and evidence-based manner that addresses underlying support needs including:
- Neurodivergent communication & culture,
- Burnout management,
- Executive functioning needs,
- Sensory needs,
- Interoceptive needs,
- Understand the high co-occurrence of Trauma in Autistic and ADHD people, and how to work in a trauma informed manner with this population, and
- Neurodiversity Affirming formulation, treatment planning and adjustment of therapeutic modalities to meet the support needs of the individual and enable equitable and effective access to mental health support and treatment.
Presenter(s)
Monique Mitchelson - AuDHD Clinical Psychologist (MAPS) and Board Approved Supervisor
Anna Clark - AuDHD Psychologist, Play Therapist and EMDR Consultant with EMDRAA
About the presenter(s)
Monique is an Autistic and ADHD Clinical Psychologist, and Board Approved Supervisor. Monique has an interest in Autism and ADHD in women, Trauma/PTSD, and Chronic Illness and Pain. She consulted on the National Autism Strategy and APS Neuro Inclusive Event Guidelines. She uses modalities such as Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR and Structural Dissociation Therapy.
Monique co-hosts The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast with Clinical Psychologist Michelle Livock which has over 2 million downloads. She has also co-authored "The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD.” This book features a foreword by Sonny Jane Wise and has become a #1 bestseller on Amazon.
Anna is a Psychologist, Play Therapist, Author and EMDR Consultant with a passion for supporting children and young people. With a background in Out of Home Care, they’re passionate about the transformative powers of play in building healthier relationships and supporting emotion regulation. Anna holds a Master’s in Child Play Therapy and collaborates with parents, carers, schools, and stakeholders to provide collaborative care.
Anna is also experienced working with survivors of sexual assault and family violence. They are currently part of the Witness Intermediary Pilot Scheme within the Tasmanian Department of Justice, where they conduct communication assessments during police interviews and court proceedings.
They co-authored the first peer-reviewed publication on Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR in the Oxford Handbook of EMDR.