Russ Harris
Russ Harris ACT
ACT For ADHD & Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach
Learn how to apply ACT compassionately and effectively with neurodivergent clients with world renowned ACT trainer Dr Russ Harris.
Copenhagen · Denmark · May 12–13
ACT for ADHD and Autism
Discover a wealth of practical tools and strategies to build self acceptance, focus, emotional regulation and psychological flexibility in neurodivergent adults
It’s estimated that about 7% of the population meets criteria for ADHD, 3% for Autism, and 1% for both (AuDHD). There’s a flood of neurodivergent clients seeking therapy – so it’s essential for all health practitioners to have good skills and knowledge in this domain.
The good news: public awareness of neurodivergence is rapidly increasing. And thanks to social justice movements all around the globe, stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against neurodivergent people is falling.
The bad news: many neurodivergent (ND) folk struggle greatly, as they grapple with the difficulties of life in a neurotypical world. Often, they have a long and painful history of trauma and rejection, and repeated subjection to prejudice, discrimination, or bullying. They’ve tried long and hard to fit in with a neurotypical society that’s often far from welcoming – and their lack of success has left them with intense shame, internalised ableism, or a deep-seated sense of inadequacy. Hardly surprising then, that mental health issues are pervasive in ND populations, and dual or triple diagnoses are common. And to make matters worse, when they go for therapy, they often find that practitioners lack the skills and knowledge to work with them effectively.
Now back to the good news: with its flexible format, and easy-to-adapt core processes, ACT is ideally suited for making a difference. This advanced-level workshop will teach you how to effectively use ACT, in a neurodiversity-affirming format, with common ND-related problems.
Why a neuro affirming approach?
Neurodivergence is not a problem to be fixed. It is a natural variation in human minds, with its own strengths, challenges and needs. A neuro affirming approach honours this diversity. It does not aim to normalise or suppress, but to support people in living a life that is meaningful and workable for them.
In this workshop, you will learn how to use language, attitudes and interventions that respect identity and experience. We explore how to understand behaviour in context, how to meet sensory and emotional needs, and how to help clients build a positive sense of self.
The goal is simple.
To reduce shame and pressure, to increase self acceptance, and to help people move towards what matters in their life.
This is what you'll learn:
ACT for ADHD and autism
- how to apply ACT flexibly with ADHD autism and combined presentations
- how to create a neuro affirming therapeutic stance
- how to reduce shame and increase self acceptance in neurodivergent adults
- how to strengthen attention emotional regulation and executive functioning through ACT processes
- how to adapt metaphors and exercises so they truly resonate with neurodivergent clients
- how to work effectively with motivation avoidance and inconsistency
- how to involve family friends or support networks in helpful ways
- how to respond to sensory overload fatigue looping thoughts or meltdowns
- how to build psychological flexibility without trying to “fix” or “normalise” clients
Why this training matters
Neurodivergence is common. A large part of the population meets criteria for ADHD, autism, or a combination of both. Many also experience trauma, depression, anxiety, or addiction.
This workshop focuses on how to work skilfully, respectfully and effectively with neurodivergent adults using ACT. The methods can easily be applied with adolescents as well.
Russ Harris is neurodivergent himself and will share personal examples and clinical experience throughout the workshop.
You will learn how to adapt ACT in a way that is both neuro-affirming and highly practical.
What the training offers
Across two days, we explore:
- neurobiology and common neurodivergent profiles
- neurodivergent culture and lived experience
- principles of neuro affirming therapy
Through role plays, case material, live demonstrations and experiential exercises, you will develop skills to:
- communicate in a way that works for each client
- use language that honours identity and experience
- understand behaviour through a functional biopsychosocial lens
- accommodate sensory needs and support regulation
- scaffold executive functioning and reduce inertia
- strengthen emotional literacy and interoception
- build self acceptance self advocacy and identity
- establish habits of rest pacing and sustainable action
- support clients with distractibility impulsivity hyperfocus burnout masking and more
- create attention building practices for clients who dislike traditional mindfulness
This is not a diagnostic training
The focus of this workshop is on practical support and intervention, not assessment or diagnosis.
You will learn how to apply ACT in a neuro affirming way, to help clients build skills, self acceptance and meaningful action.
Tailored support for every person
There is no single way to work with neurodivergence. When you have met one neurodivergent person, you have met one neurodivergent person. Each client brings their own profile of strengths, challenges and needs, and therapy must reflect this individuality.
This training emphasises a flexible and responsive approach. Rather than relying on a fixed method, you will learn how to use tools that can be shaped to suit each person. You will explore how to analyse the function of behaviour, understand why it makes sense in context, and respond in a way that is both compassionate and effective.
Across two days, we look at how to work with a full range of presentations: from overwhelm, avoidance or task inertia to masking, burnout or self-harm. The focus is not on forcing clients to change, but on helping them take meaningful steps that are safe, sustainable and aligned with their values.
The essence is simple:
we meet people where they are, and we support them to move in the direction that matters most.
Who is this training for?
This advanced-level workshop is intended for any practitioner who has already completed basic introductory training in ACT.
The workshop is open to all health practitioners, including psychologists, social workers, counsellors, therapists, coaches, BCBAs, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, GPs, youth workers, OTs, physios, and dietitians.
MEET your trainer
Russ Harris
Dr Russ Harris, author of the best-selling self-help book ‘The Happiness Trap‘, is an internationally-renowned trainer of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Russ’s background is in medicine. As a GP he became increasingly interested in the psychological aspects of health and wellbeing, and increasingly disenchanted with writing prescriptions. Ultimately this interest led to a total career change, and he now works in two different, yet complementary roles: both as a therapist and as a coach.
Since 2005, Russ has run over 800 two-day workshops and provided ACT training for 80,000 health professionals. He has authored four ACT textbooks (ACT Made Simple, Trauma Focused ACT, Getting Unstuck in ACT, ACT Questions & Answers), and four ACT-based self-help books (The Happiness Trap, The Reality Slap, The Confidence Gap and ACT with Love). In addition, he has co-authored two other self-help books: The Weight Escape and The Happiness Trap Pocketbook. His best-known book, The Happiness Trap, has sold over one million copies worldwide, with translations into more than 30 languages.
unique training opportunity with
Russ Harris
Russ has a unique model for training, which he calls ‘ACT Made Simple’, because it covers so much material in a short space of time. He proudly proclaims each workshop a ‘jargon-free zone’ – and bases his training on three core values: simplicity, clarity, and having fun. His highly-acclaimed ACT workshops are brief, powerful, cost-effective and life-enhancing. Participants regularly report not only major improvements in their therapy and/or coaching, but also in their personal lives – and evaluation forms frequently praise his ability to make complex ideas seem very simple.
Prerequisite
This workshop is intended for practitioners with at least beginner-level knowledge of ACT. You can meet this requirement through an introductory course, online training, or self-study with ACT books.
If you are new to ACT and want to prepare, I recommend starting with an online course or with the book “Samtal som förändrar”, which offers a clear, practical introduction to ACT in theory and practice.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE
We've got some bonuses for you
All materials are ready to use with your clients, so you can apply what you learn immediately in your clinical work.
What they say
Testimonials from this amazing workshop
Fabulous workshop, best I have ever attended. It was both inspiring and entertaining and I found it refreshing to find a presenter who was so honest in his presentation. I came away with a good balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills that I can apply to improve my own life as well as in my work with clients. I would highly recommend it to others.
— Sarah Marshall, Psychologist, Sydney
One of the best workshops I’ve ever been to! This has been a fantastic experience for me, both professionally and personally. The mixture of theory, interspersed with many practical skill exercises & handouts has helped me to discover new strategies for dealing with my own struggles and for assisting my clients to live the lives they want to.
— Sharon Clifford, Psychologist, Melbourne
This workshop was life-changing professionally and personally. The way the workshop was presented was superb. It not only explained the concepts of ACT well, it also demonstrated the strength of ACT through role-play and real life situations. Thank you for providing such a powerful and inspirational learning environment.
— Caroline Jones, Psychologist, Wollongong
Will you join us?
What is your investment in deepening your skills and confidence in working with ADHD and autism?
7900 SEK + moms
Vid anmälan före den 1/3-2026 får du en early bird rabatt på 1000 kronor
In this two-day advanced training, you will learn flexible ACT strategies for working effectively with neurodivergent adults, integrating past experience, present reality and future direction.
This training takes place at Hotel Richmond, Vester Farimagsgade 33, 1606 Copenhagen.
Your investment is 7900 SEK + VAT (moms).
There’s an early bird discount of SEK 1000,- if you register before March 1.
When you register you’ll get a discount code for the hotel, if you wish to stay there during this training.
This course is intended for practitioners supporting neurodivergent clients, and who have at least a beginner-level understanding of ACT.
How it works
This is what happens when you register:
Register
When you register you tell us where you would like us to send your invoice
Check your e-mail
An invoice or is sent to your e-mail along with all of the practical information
Dance
Dance and celebrate as if nobody’s watching! You made the right decision
Free webinar with Russ Harris & Rikke Kjelgaard
Vanliga frågor
Om du har frågorna, så har jag svaren
Vanliga frågor
Kursen äger rum kl. 9:00-16:00 den 12-13 maj 2026
Kursen äger rum Hotel Richmond, Vester Farimagsgade 33, 1606 København, Danmark.
Du hittar en karta här >>
I kursavgiften ingår lätt frukost, lunch och eftermiddagssnacks.
Dessutom får du ett antal bonusar efter kursen.
Kursen är för dig som använder samtalet som verktyg och möter personer med ADHD och/eller autism.
Du bör åtminstone ha deltagit i en ACT-kurs (med Rikke Kjelgaard, Russ Harris eller annan arrangör).
Du bör också ha läst en grundläggande bok om ACT.
Vi rekommenderar att du läser Rikke Kjelgaards bok: “Samtal som förändrar – en guide till ACT i praktiken”.
Nej.
Tyvärr.
Det är begränsat antal platser på kursen.
KONTAKTA OSs
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