Neurodiversity-affirming emotion-focused group therapy : an exploratory outcome study

Tools

Robinson, Anna and Elliott, Robert (2026) Neurodiversity-affirming emotion-focused group therapy : an exploratory outcome study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 26 (1). e70075. ISSN 1473-3145 (https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70075)

[thumbnail of Robinson-Elliott-CPR-2026-Neurodiversity-affirming-emotion-focused-group-therapy]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Robinson-Elliott-CPR-2026-Neurodiversity-affirming-emotion-focused-group-therapy.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 logo
Download (938kB)| Preview

Abstract

Aim: Autistic adults experience high levels of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Autism has been associated with difficulties in emotional processing, which may reflect co‐occurring alexithymia. Although other psychological approaches have been developed, emotion‐Focussed Group Therapy might also be a relevant intervention for helping autistic adults develop their emotional processing. Method: Nine autistic adults were offered a nine‐week group neurodiversity‐affirming emotion‐focussed therapy (neuro‐EFGT). An observer measure was used to track change across therapy in emotional processing for affective empathy for self (emotion regulation) and other (empathy), and in cognitive empathy for self (self‐reflection) and other (mental representation). Results: Significant pre‐/postoutcome differences were found, for both modality (therapy vs Interpersonal Process Recall; d = 2.20) and time (d = 5.68), with seven of the nine participants showing significant reliable change in emotional processing by the end of therapy. Implications: This is the first outcome study of neuro‐EFGT that offers an initial account of autistic adults' experiences of the intervention. Neuro‐EFGT may be a useful alternative therapy for autistic adults who report emotional processing difficulties.

ORCID iDs

Robinson, Anna ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6992-3629 and Elliott, Robert ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3527-3397;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)