Special Interest Group

Neuro-inclusive Coaching

This group is to enable coaches to explore what neuro-inclusive practice might look and feel like; to understand its benefits for coach, client and their systems; to connect with each other; and to build confidence.

About the group

The purpose of the group is to enable coaches to explore what neuro-inclusive practice might look and feel like, to understand its benefits for coach, client and their systems, connect with each other, and build confidence.

Neurodivergent clients make up at least 20% of the population in the UK, and therefore a considerable proportion of the coaching population (coach and client) – whether we know it or not! Yet there is misunderstanding about the traits and strengths of neurodivergent people, their challenges, and how to create a safe, inclusive and adaptable coaching partnership that enables everyone to thrive.

Topics include the myths of ADHD coaching, when the coach is neurodivergent too, the ethics of coaching Autistic clients.

Who is this group for?

You may be currently working explicitly with neurodivergent clients, or would like to. You may be neurodivergent, or not. You may be an ICF Member, or belong to another professional body. All are welcome! Come along, ask questions, listen, connect and discover deep insights you can apply to their practice.

What to expect

Learning from expert speakers
Practical coaching insights
Thought-provoking discussions
Networking opportunities
Professional development
Peer learning
Community task and finish groups

Meet the Leadership Team

James Farrell

Group Co-Leader

I’m an executive and leadership coach (PCC, AEAC), mental health coach and accredited ADHD coach with over 30 years’ experience in senior roles spanning organisational change, culture and strategy. As Director of The Natural Coaching Company, I support leaders and executives in transition, as well as neurodivergent individuals. I’m the founder of ICF-accredited training in systemic, nature-based coaching, author of Being in Nature, and a regular international speaker and writer. As a leader of this group, I bring that experience to exploring what neuro-inclusive coaching practice can look like.

Lesley Ann Williams

Group Co-Leader

I’m an ICF PCC coach, grief coach and bereavement counsellor, and for over 20 years I’ve supported individuals and groups through complex grief and trauma. I’ve worked with many neurodivergent clients, using an intuitive form of enquiry shaped by my experience as a Highly Sensitive Person, an empath and an “Otrovert”. As a leader of this group, I’m interested in the value a neurodivergent coach brings to coaching both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients. I know many coaches want to articulate how they relate to their clients and share knowledge, and this group is where we can do that.

Get Involved

Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, coach neurodivergent clients or want to make your practice more inclusive, we would love to hear from you. Share your experience, suggest a topic or tell us what would help you most.