Group therapy can offer something different to individual work. For many autistic people, being alongside others who have had similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation, soften shame, and foster a greater sense of belonging.

The BELONG Model sits at the heart of every group. Together, we explore both our inner worlds and our relationships with others, recognising that healing doesn't happen in isolation but through meaningful connection, shared understanding, and authentic community.

Each session weaves together three therapeutic strands:

Reflection – making space for whatever feels most important in the moment, whether that's something happening in your everyday life or something that emerges within the group itself.

Relationship – exploring how we connect with ourselves and one another, recognising that differences, misunderstandings, rupture, and repair are all natural parts of healthy relationships.

Learning – gently integrating neurodiversity-affirming psychoeducation where it feels relevant, helping members develop greater insight into their autistic experiences and reframe past experiences through a more compassionate lens.

Rather than following a rigid curriculum, the direction of the group develops collaboratively. As themes naturally emerge, so too does the psychoeducation, allowing learning to feel meaningful, relevant, and grounded in members' lived experiences.

Together we may explore topics such as masking, burnout, identity, relationships, sensory experiences, nervous system regulation, boundaries, self-advocacy, self-compassion, and authenticity, whilst also making space for whatever feels important in the here and now.

Many autistic adults describe never having had the opportunity to be fully themselves in relationship with others. This group offers a gentle space to explore authenticity, connection, and what it feels like to be seen, understood, and valued by people who truly "get it".

The aim of the group isn't simply to learn more about autism. It's to experience what becomes possible when autistic people come together in a community where they feel safe enough to be themselves. In other words, this group offers the opportunity not only to talk about belonging, but to experience it.

This is an ongoing online therapeutic support group facilitated by Dr Cloie Parfitt. The group combines relational therapy, reflective discussion, shared lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming psychoeducation to create a space where members can deepen their understanding of themselves whilst building meaningful connections with others.

Rather than following a fixed programme, each session develops collaboratively. Members are invited to bring whatever feels most important to them, whether that's something happening in everyday life, a question about autism, a relationship difficulty, or a personal reflection. As themes naturally emerge, I gently weave in relevant psychoeducation, therapeutic insights, creative approaches, and practical tools to support deeper understanding and growth.

Relationships sit at the heart of the group. From the outset, we recognise that differences, misunderstandings, and moments of rupture are a natural part of being in community. Rather than viewing these moments as failures, we approach them with curiosity, compassion, and openness, recognising that repair can become an important part of healing.

Whilst there is never any pressure to share before you feel ready, this is a participatory group and members are encouraged to engage in ways that feel manageable, meaningful, and authentic for them. Every member brings valuable experiences, perspectives, and strengths that contribute to the wider community.

The group is open-ended, allowing members to remain for as long as they feel the group continues to support their wellbeing and personal growth. To foster safety, trust, and cohesion, members are asked to commit to attending a minimum of eight consecutive sessions before deciding whether to continue.

Occasionally, invited colleagues may join the group to offer specialist workshops or creative experiences relating to topics such as autistic identity, creativity, sensory wellbeing, or self-expression, enriching the group's learning whilst remaining grounded in the BELONG Model.

Places are intentionally limited to create a safe, thoughtful, and well-held therapeutic environment where genuine relationships have the opportunity to develop over time.

As the group's facilitator, my role is to help create a space where everyone feels safe enough to be curious, authentic, and connected. I draw on my experience as an integrative psychotherapist, researcher, and trainer specialising in autistic mental health to gently guide discussions whilst recognising that every member brings valuable insight, experience, and wisdom to the group.

This group may be a good fit if you are:

• Autistic, self-identify as autistic, or are exploring whether you may be autistic.

• Looking for a therapeutic community where you can feel understood, accepted, and less alone in your experiences.

• Interested in developing a deeper understanding of yourself through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

• Exploring identity, masking, authenticity, self-acceptance, or what it means to live more fully as yourself.

• Navigating burnout, chronic overwhelm, life transitions, or the lasting impact of feeling misunderstood.

• Wanting to build more meaningful, authentic relationships with yourself and others.

• Curious about understanding your nervous system, recognising your needs, and learning ways to support your wellbeing.

• Looking to develop greater self-compassion, confidence, self-advocacy, and a stronger sense of belonging.

• Open to participating in a reflective group where members learn with and from one another through shared experience and discussion.

The BELONG Model is the therapeutic framework that guides every aspect of the group. Together, these six interconnected principles provide a flexible structure for exploring autistic identity, relationships, healing, and growth. Rather than following a fixed programme, they offer a compassionate way of understanding ourselves, one another, and what it means to truly belong.

B — Belonging

Creating a space where you can experience acceptance, authenticity, and community without needing to hide who you are.

E — Exploration

Developing curiosity about yourself, your relationships, and your autistic experiences.

L — Learning

Integrating neurodiversity-affirming psychoeducation and lived experience to deepen understanding.

O — Openness

Recognising that authentic relationships include vulnerability, misunderstandings, rupture, and repair.

N — New Narratives

Reframing past experiences through compassion rather than shame.

G — Growth & Empowerment

Strengthening self-understanding, self-advocacy, confidence, and connection beyond the group.