Zara Winstanley: Leading the way in neurodivergent training

Blackburn based Training for Counsellors have a dedicated team of facilitators delivering a wide range of courses, CPD workshops and online training opportunities, to both qualified counsellors and counsellors in training.

Among the team is Zara Winstanley, co-designer and lead facilitator of Training for Counsellors specialist CPD course, Working with the Functionality of Neurodivergent Children and Young People. She also co-facilitated their recent neurodivergent training for Barnardo’s and is the creator of the FECit Model.

Zara plays a pivotal role in helping counsellors and practitioners deepen their understanding of neurodivergence. Her work focuses on developing practical, neuro-affirming, and sensory-aware strategies to support their clients.

“Zara is a huge part of the team,” says owner of Training for Counsellors, Samantha Crapnell.

“Her training is engaging, evidence-informed, and firmly grounded in real-world practice. She always ensures that people leave sessions confident in applying their learning in their own private practice.”

In addition to her work with Training for Counsellors, Zara works at The Children’s Rooms in Poynton, where she provides therapy to neurodivergent children, young people, and adults. Her approach supports both clients and their families, helping them understand challenges, celebrate strengths, and develop strategies to thrive.  

Recently, Zara was invited to speak to parents at Pownall Primary School in Bramhall. The session prompted her to develop a visual resource summarising her talk on the impact of screen time on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.

During the session, Zara explored how screen time can influence sedentary behaviour, speech and language development, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. She also offered practical, balanced strategies to help families create healthy screen habits that support learning, development, and overall wellbeing.

“I was amazed by Zara’s insightful and extremely informative presentation on this important topic,” says Samantha.

. “I’m delighted that Zara is allowing us to share this resource and use it as part of our work. Her warmth, curiosity, and practical approach shine through in everything she does. Zara continues to make a meaningful difference for counsellors, families, and young people, helping them understand neurodivergence, environment, and functionality. We are so lucky to have Zara as part of our team.”

Training for Counsellors are encouraging both qualified counsellors and counsellors in training who wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence, to explore their wide range of courses, CPD workshops and online training opportunities.