Applying a neurodiversity affirmative approach to the pluralistic framework

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref OpenCitations
Learn more about the sources used

Mills, D. (2023). Applying a neurodiversity affirmative approach to the pluralistic framework. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 23(3), 627-637. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12637

Publication date: 21 Mar 2023 Added to AutiHub: 22 Sep 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) Full text OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
1
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 1 (100.0%)
  1. Danielle Mills *

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To date, there has been no research exploring the use of a pluralistic framework when working with neurodivergent (ND) clients. This research addresses the gap between theory and practice and explores therapist perspectives and experiences using the pluralistic framework as an ND therapist and/or when working with ND clients. Methods Eight pluralistic therapists were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to capture lived experiences and sense‐making of the participants. The therapists had a range of experiences—some were ND themselves and working with ND clients. Results Six key themes emerged from the results: the importance of language; client strengths and cultural resources; collaboration and shared decision‐making; demystifying therapy; learning events within therapy; and flexibility. These results were synthesised into two overarching themes: ND justice and the pluralistic model as a supportive framework for ND affirmative practice. The approaches within the participants' therapeutic interactions modelled a neurodiversity justice approach. There was a belief that the pluralistic framework could have been designed for neurological difference. There was a deep respect for client experience along with hearing the client, giving voice, and respecting choice embedded in the approach. The participants were able to use the model to facilitate client autonomy and normalise them being part of their own processes both in therapy and in life. Conclusion This study provides insights into the experience of ND, which can be used to improve practice and increase knowledge in the field.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 28 Oct 2026 01:01.

Cited references
35
With a DOI
22
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
10
2 / 35 (5.7%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
4 / 35 (11.4%)
References with detected author names
31 / 35 (88.6%)
Without detected author names
4
Without a structured title
4
Without a stable identifier
10
References with raw author names still to review
4
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
64
From DOI or external metadata
64
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
5
11 / 64 (17.2%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 53 / 64 (82.8%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
2 / 64 (3.1%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 2 / 11 (18.2%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 2 / 60 (3.3%).
  1. Linda Hopper (2006). Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents . Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.1007/978-1-137-05550-7 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W605354764
    OpenAlex
  2. Stephen Anderson , Jane Morris (2006). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for People with Asperger Syndrome . Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 34(3), 293-303. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1017/s1352465805002651 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2100696386
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. John McLeod (2022). Doing research in counselling and psychotherapy . SAGE Publications Ltd.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4135/9781036233976 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1170730940
    Crossref OpenAlex
  5. Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick , Amy J. H. Kind (2017). A Scoping Review of Health Disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(11), 3380-3391. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3251-9 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2740425314
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  6. Dave Dagnan , John Masson , Amy Cavagin , Richard Thwaites , Chris Hatton (2015). The Development of a Measure of Confidence in Delivering Therapy to People with Intellectual Disabilities . Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 22(5), 392-398. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1898 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1529092457
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Carla Willig (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1517190443
    OpenAlex
  8. Kate Cooper , M.E. Loades , Ailsa Russell (2018). Adapting psychological therapies for autism . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 45, 43-50. Elsevier BV.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.002 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2770749461
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  9. John McLeod (2017). Pluralistic Therapy . Routledge.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4324/9781315398266 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4244112467
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  10. Matthew N Cooper (2016). Handbook of pluralistic counselling & psychotherapy . Handbook of pluralistic counselling & psychotherapy, 42.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  11. Maya Vulcan (2016). “I’m a translating body”: Therapists’ experiences working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 26(3), 326-337. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037/int0000026 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2511074367
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  12. Mick Cooper , John McLeod (2012). From either/or to both/and: Developing a pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy . European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling, 14(1), 5-17. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/13642537.2012.652389 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1996220764
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  13. Amy Drahota , Nicole Stadnick , Lauren Brookman-Frazee (2014). Therapist Perspectives on Training in a Package of Evidence-Based Practice Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Served in Community Mental Health Clinics . Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 41(1), 114-125. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10488-012-0441-9 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2086826987
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Anna Jaysane‐Darr (2020). Enabling and disabling emotional diversity: Negotiating autism spectrum disorder in therapeutic encounters . Children & Society, 34(4), 261-275. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1111/chso.12374 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3019977974
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  15. Sarah Riley , Wendy Schouten , Sharon Cahill (2003). Exploring the dynamics of subjectivity and power between researcher and researched . Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 4(2). Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.17169/fqs-4.2.713 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2151274778
    Crossref OpenAlex
  16. Margaret W. Dyson , Colby Chlebowski , Blanche Wright , Lauren Brookman-Frazee (2017). How Do Certified and Uncertified Therapists Differ in Their Perceptions of a Mental Health Intervention for ASD? Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2(3-4), 179-194. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/23794925.2017.1389319 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2765553387
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  17. Zsófia Anna Utry , Stephen Palmer , John McLeod , Mick Cooper (2015). A pluralistic approach to coaching . In The Coaching Psychologist (pp. 46-52). British Psychological Society.
    Type: Book chapter DOI: 10.1002/9781119835714.ch4 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3002275295
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  18. Catherine Garrett (2022). “There is beauty in diversity in all areas of life including neurological diversity” (Bella): A mixed method study into how new thoughts on neurodiversity are influencing psychotherapists’ practice . Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie, 21(S1), 147-161. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s11620-021-00638-5 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4210733766
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  19. Etienne Wenger (1998). Communities of Practice . Cambridge University Press.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511803932 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4210702550
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  21. Amy W. Linsao , Patrick M. McKiernan , Stephanie M. Morgan (2021). Experiences of Mental Health Providers Treating Autistic Children with Co-occurring Disorders . Spotlight on Mental Health Research. Spotlight on Research.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.35831/al2021 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3200722874
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  22. Lacy C. Overley , Marilyn S. Snow , Susan L. Mossing , Suzanne Degges-White , Kerry P. Holmes (2018). Exploring the experiences of play therapists working with children diagnosed with autism. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(1), 14-24. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037/pla0000059 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2765375747
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Mack J. (2019). Lived experiences of counselors providing counseling to adults with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative phenomenological study. Doctoral Dissertation University of Northern Colorado.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  24. Valentina Valentovich , Wendy A. Goldberg , Dana Rose Garfin , Yuqing Guo (2018). Emotion Coregulation Processes between Mothers and their Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associations with Children’s Maladaptive Behaviors . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(4), 1235-1248. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3375-y OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2773158611
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  25. George Peat , Alison Rodriguez , Joanna Smith (2019). Interpretive phenomenological analysis applied to healthcare research . Evidence Based Nursing, 22(1), 7-9. BMJ.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2018-103017 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2903080578
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. Moat D. (2013). Integrative psychotherapeutic approaches to autism Spectrum conditions . Integrative psychotherapeutic approaches to autism Spectrum conditions.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  27. Moree B. N. (2010). Cognitive‐behavioural therapy for anxiety in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: Modification trends . Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(2), 229.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  28. NICE. (2012). Autism spectrum disorder in adults: Diagnosis and management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG142
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  29. Gary Tebble (2019). Bridging the gap: developing an adapted model of pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy for boys (aged 11-16 years) who present with specific learning difficulties . ChesterRep (University of Chester).
    Type: Dissertation OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3004793025
    OpenAlex
  30. Jenna Annette Mack (2019). Lived Experiences of Counselors Providing Counseling to Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study . Scholarship & Creative Works - Digital UNC a service of University Libraries (University of Northern Colorado).
    Type: Dissertation OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3006444112
    OpenAlex
  31. Prout H. T. (2008). Counselling and psychotherapy with children and adolescents . Counselling and psychotherapy with children and adolescents.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  32. Saidin K. &Yaacob A. (2016).‘Insider Researchers: Challenges & Opportunities’ in Proceeding of ICECRS. International Seminar on Generating Knowledge Through Research Malaysia pp. 849–854. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317080260
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  33. Shore S. (2003). Beyond the wall: Personal experiences with autism and Asperger syndrome . Beyond the wall: Personal experiences with autism and Asperger syndrome.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  34. Tebble G. (2019). Bridging the Gap: Developing an adapted model of pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy for boys (aged 11–16 years) who present with specific learning difficulties. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Chester UK.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  35. Willig C. (2008). Introducing qualitative research in psychology . Introducing qualitative research in psychology.
    Type: Other
    Crossref