In-Person Training (Columbia)

3 CE Hours

“Introduction to Working with Neurodivergent Clients: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinical Framework”

James Hammons, LPC-MHSP

This workshop introduces clinicians to a neurodiversity-affirming framework for working with neurodivergent clients, with a focus on ADHD, Autism, and OCD in adult therapy settings. The training is designed for clinicians who do not specialize in neurodivergence but regularly encounter neurodivergent individuals in clinical practice.

Participants will explore how neurodivergence may influence emotional regulation, communication styles, executive functioning, and the therapeutic relationship. Attention is given to common areas of overlap and co-occurrence, including trauma-related symptoms, mood and anxiety presentations, substance use concerns, and cultural and identity-related factors that shape lived experience and clinical presentation. The workshop emphasizes thoughtful differentiation and screening considerations.

Drawing from clinical work and community-based training experience, the workshop provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies clinicians can apply immediately to support ethical, informed, and affirming care.

Objectives:

• Identify foundational characteristics of common neurodivergent presentations, including ADHD, Autism, and OCD in adult clinical settings.
• Describe how neurodivergence can affect emotional regulation, communication, executive functioning, and engagement in therapy.
• Apply neurodiversity-affirming principles to intake, case conceptualization, and intervention planning while remaining attentive to overlapping or co-occurring clinical concerns.

About the Speaker

James Hammons, LPC-MHSP

James Hammons, M.A., LPC-MHSP, is a Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health Service Provider in the state of Tennessee and the co-owner of Invictus Counseling, a private practice he operates with his wife, Rachel Hammons, M.A., LPC-MHSP. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College. He is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.

James primarily provides psychotherapy services in a private practice setting in both Nashville and Columbia, TN, and also provides contracted counseling services with Compassionate Recovery Care, a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic serving all of Tennessee. His clinical work includes neurodivergent adults and commonly addresses ADHD and Autism alongside concerns such as emotional regulation difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, and substance use recovery.

Invictus Counseling has a strong history of partnering with workplaces and educational settings to provide neurodiversity-affirming trainings. These trainings support individuals in leadership roles through practical strategies for communication, support, and accommodation that better meet the needs of neurodivergent colleagues, staff, and students. James brings a systems-informed, clinically grounded approach to professional training with an emphasis on ethical, practical application.

TLPCA Contact

If you any questions, please contact Stephanie Grissom.