After Recognition Programme
Recognition or diagnosis closes one chapter and opens another
After Recognition focuses on what comes next
Explore our gentle 8-week neurodivergence-affirming Integration and Psychoeducational programme.
Developed specifically to support individuals after Autism and/or ADHD recognition
Why I Developed This Programme?
Over the last twenty years of working as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of neurodivergent adults. Alongside my clinical work, I'm also mum to four AuDHD children, so neurodivergence is something I experience both professionally and personally.
Throughout my career, one thing has become increasingly clear. People would leave an assessment with a diagnosis, a report and perhaps a few recommended websites or books. Whilst these were sometimes helpful, many returned to therapy asking the same questions. What does this actually mean for me? How has this shaped my relationships, education, career and mental health? Why do I react the way I do? What do I do now? The more I reflected on these conversations, the more I realised there was a significant gap.
Many described growing up believing they had somehow failed at being a "normal" human being. They had spent years trying harder, masking more and wondering why everyday life seemed to take so much more effort than it appeared to for everyone else around them. They were often told they were lazy when they were struggling with executive functioning differences, too sensitive when they were overwhelmed by sensory input, disorganised when they processed information differently, or emotional when their nervous system was overloaded.
Over time, those messages became internalised. Rather than understanding that they simply worked differently, many people came to believe there was something fundamentally wrong with them. They had been taught how they should think, communicate, regulate emotions and organise themselves, but not how they actually worked. By adulthood, many still didn't understand their sensory profile, cognition, communication style, energy patterns or why some environments left them exhausted.
Whilst therapy can be incredibly valuable, it wasn't always just therapy people were looking for. They wanted understanding and connection. They wanted practical, evidence informed information that helped them make sense of themselves and gave them strategies they could actually use in everyday life. They wanted to meet other people who simply got it.
At the same time, there was something else I couldn't ignore. The mental health outcomes for neurodivergent people remain significantly worse than for the general population. Higher rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, eating disorders, addiction and suicide are consistently reported in the research. As a clinician, I see those statistics reflected in the people who walk through my door every week. As a parent, they feel even more personal. Once you've seen both the research and the real lives behind it, it's impossible to unsee.
That was the driving force behind After Recognition. The programme was created to bridge the gap between receiving a diagnosis and truly understanding what that diagnosis or recognition means in everyday life. We recognise that every person's experience is different, and there is no single way to be autistic, have ADHD, or experience any other form of neurodivergence.
Across eight weeks, we explore the topics that repeatedly emerged in my clinical work, including sensory processing, executive functioning, communication, emotions, the nervous system, physical wellbeing, energy accounting, strengths and accommodations. Just as importantly, we explore the impact of spending years feeling misunderstood and how understanding yourself can begin to replace self criticism with self compassion.
After Recognition is grounded in current research, over twenty years of clinical experience, and the insights I've gained through my own family's journey. It isn't about changing who people are. It is about understanding themselves well enough to build a future that is healthier, more sustainable and far kinder than the life they have spent years trying to survive. My hope is that people leave with knowledge, practical strategies, greater self compassion, and a clearer understanding of how they work best.
Our Approach is:
Neuroaffirming
Evidence informed
Trauma informed
Practical and reflective
Always facilitated by a clinician and a person with lived experience of ADHD and or Autism
Rather than focusing on fixing differences, the programme supports greater self understanding, self acceptance, self compassion and sustainable ways of managing life.
Who Is The Programme For?
The programme may be suitable if you:
Have received a diagnosis or identify as neurodivergent.
Are making sense of your experiences through a new lens.
Want to better understand yourself.
Want to replace criticism with self compassion
Would value connecting with others.
Want practical strategies to support everyday life.
After Recognition is delivered in partnership with London Wellness Collection by Steps Together Group
www.stepstogether.co.uk
Starting weekly on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
What Makes After Recognition Different?
After Recognition was developed by Jodie Mainstone, an accredited, registered and highly experienced Psychotherapist, Trainer and EMDR Consultant Supervisor with over 20 years' of experience.
She brings together over twenty years of clinical expertise, research and lived experience as a neurodivergent individual and mother of four neurodivergent children, with a passion for supporting neurodivergent people and promoting neuroaffirming approaches within mental health services.
Specifically designed for adults after recognition or diagnosis.
Small groups (maximum seven).
Practical strategies alongside psychoeducation.
Guided reflection and shared learning.
Connection with others who understand
Development of personalised strategies
Who Facilatates the Programme?
The programme is delivered by Jodie (Mainstone Consulting) in partnership with London Wellness Collection by Steps Together Group and is facilitated by Jodie alongside John Wilson, Head of Therapy Services. John brings extensive experience in therapeutic group facilitation and leads therapy services across Steps Together Group. Together, Jodie and John create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where participants can explore their experiences, deepen their understanding of themselves, and connect with others
Time & Venue
Starting on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
For eight weeks
Group Meeting Location:
North London Therapy Practice
32B Northend Road
London NW11 7PT
Cost
Programme Cost £1495
Get in Touch
Reach out to start your journey with us and for more information on the programme.
Therapy Enquiries
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Supervision and Training Enquiries and Website
Mainstone Counselling Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 11338192. Registered Office 27 Avenue Mansions, Finchley Road NW3 7AX
