- Make sure to build in processing time that acknowledges differences in processing emotions.
- Some Neurodivergent people can be hypo/hypersensitive to emotions of others.
- Hypo-arousal may result in a person mimicking and hyper-arousal may result in absorbing and taking in the feelings of others.
- Make sure to consider identified competing needs during the assessment stage and when allocating group members.
- Also be prepared to switch format if/when it becomes apparent that competing needs make the intervention inaccessible (e.g. because of polarised sensory needs, hyper emotional responses).
KEY ISSUES
There will likely be points during group facilitation where clients express competing needs. This may be particularly enhanced in relation to Neurodivergent clients, who may have different sensory preferences. For instance, one person may prefer the window open so they feel less claustrophobic and hot, whereas another person may find that noises coming from outside are distracting and overwhelming. In these instances it will be important to model negotiation and support clients to find points of compromise, as well as encouraging Neurodivergent clients to draw on the (safe and non-abusive) self-regulation strategies they would typically employ in other instances where they are not in full control of their sensory environment (for instance stimming; movement; breathing exercises). This could be an opportunity to refer back to the neurodiversity statement explained and agreed at the beginning of the intervention. These situations can be used as opportunities to put into practice what it means to listen and acknowledge each other’s needs and the impact these have on each other, what compromise is like in reality and, indeed, what it might be like in an intimate relationship if similar negotiation and compromise was used.
Generally speaking, keeping the environment as a low arousal space is helpful, as is setting clear boundaries and expectations, providing a comprehensive rationale for decision making and having a group agreement in place that centres respectful interaction, an understanding of diverse needs and an expectation to engage in compromise where needed (see section 5.4b, c).
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Low arousal environments are usually best (e.g., quiet/ low lighting/ reduce sensory stimulation).
- Reduce sensory distractions where possible (as a means of reducing sensory stimulus).
- Set clear boundaries.
- Ensure boundaries are upheld; remind group members of group rules, expectations and agreements, including regarding not dominating conversations.
- Prepare people for experiencing times of high emotional states; remind group members that we all experience and express emotional states differently .
- Allow processing time for emotions; be observant for signs of discomfort and distress.
- Assist with time outs and/or comfort/movement breaks.
- Offer choice – but you determine what the choice is.
- Body comfort first – ensure that people have free access to toilets, water, movement.
- The facilitator’s self-awareness and self-regulation are paramount, as they set the energetic group field43.
- Establish mutually agreed-upon group values and boundaries.
- Acknowledge diversity and differences from the outset and agree on how to create psychological safety for expression without judgment.
One strategy that may support all group members to manage conflicting needs is to engage in Aldred and Aldred’s (20, p.38-40) Pause of Presence 3 step process.
Step 1: Check
What is present for you right now?
- Thoughts…
- Emotions…
- Body sensations…
Step 2: Need
What do you need right now?
- Mind…
- Emotions…
- Body…
Step 3: Adjust
What one adjustment can you make in this moment to bring more comfort into your body?
- Temperature…
- Use the toilet…
- Hydrate…
- Move…
- Stand…
- Emotional discomfort is to be expected (and may be indeed necessary, Eisenstadt, et al., 2025) during the delivery of domestic abuse perpetrator interventions.
- There are times when clients should be supported to lean into this discomfort for the purposes of the change journey
- However, remember to keep in mind that some Neurodivergent people may be hypersensitive to emotional content – including the reactions of others – and can experience extreme shame anxiety/sensitivity due to structural harms.
- Allow extra processing space but be vigilant and prepared to support a Neurodivergent client to regulate (e.g., use their coping strategies)
(43)
This is sometimes referred to as ’limbic resonance’.
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