Training for Counsellors announce new neurodivergence podcast: Sam and Zara’s Counselling Conversations

Blackburn based Training for Counsellors have announced the launch of their new podcast series, which explores how counsellors can better understand their work with neurodivergent clients.

Titled Sam and Zara’s Counselling Conversations, the series offers a unique blend of professional insight and personal reflection from two experienced practitioners in this field.

Hosted by Training for Counsellors’ owner and course facilitator Samantha Crapnell, and Zara Winstanley, co-designer and lead of the CPD course Working with the Functionality of Neurodivergent Children and Young People.

The podcast seeks to offer deeper understanding, encourage thoughtful dialogue, and share practical strategies for working ethically and empathetically with neurodivergent clients.

Sam and Zara have always engaged in peer supervision, reflecting on their work as counsellors, psychotherapists, clinical supervisors and training facilitators, to help them reflect and learn from each other’s experience.

Their new podcast provides listeners with an intimate look into those ongoing conversations, discussing theory, good practice, real-world dilemmas, and the nuances of therapeutic work with neurodivergent individuals.

Samantha said: “This podcast isn’t just about our professional insight; it provides a personal analysis from our own lived experiences. Both Zara and I bring our own understanding of what it means to be neurodivergent in the world, in relationships, and in practice. This dual perspective allows us to speak not only as therapists working with neurodivergent clients, but also as people with our own neurodivergent identities."

Zara also highlights the reflective nature of the series. “We want to be able to offer a view of how we think, feel and grow as practitioners. These podcasts will be conversations that help us deepen both mine and Sam’s understanding, as well as other practitioners. We reflect on how theoretical ideas and training models show up in our rooms, and where they don’t. We’re constantly asking ourselves what feels relevant, what needs rethinking, and how we can best support those we work with.”

Across 30-minute episodes, Sam and Zara are offering a glimpse into their peer supervisions, through thoughtful commentary, practical insights, and offering space for curiosity.

The first episodes of Sam and Zara’s Counselling Conversations is now available to stream now, with new episodes set to be released regularly. Listeners are invited to join the conversation and share their thoughts or questions by emailing [email protected].