Key details
Date | Saturday 14 March, 2026
Time | 9.00am - 11:00am
Where | Online
Cost | $40 VAGP members. $50 non-members
Facilitator | Jennifer Jimenez Leong
About this event
Neurodivergence refers to ways of perceiving, processing, and responding that differ from what society deems typical. It can be lifelong or acquired, temporary or permanent. Psychotherapy often fails to meet the needs of neurodivergent people, particularly those with lifelong neurodivergence, such as ADHD and Autism. ADHD clients may receive medication but little tailored therapy, while autistic clients often report therapy is unhelpful or even harmful. Gestalt Therapy’s emphasis on awareness and self-acceptance rather than fixing or changing aligns well with the needs of neurodivergent clients. Yet theory alone isn’t enough to ensure affirming care. This lecture explores how Gestalt Therapy’s principles—from its theoretical pillars to its view of the field-emergent self—can support neurodivergent clients, while also identifying its limitations and outlining steps to reduce harm.
About your facilitator
Jennifer Jimenez Leong
Jennifer Jimenez Leong, LMFT, is an AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) Gestalt Therapist certified by Pacific Gestalt Institute (PGI). Jen is a former adjunct professor of Gestalt Therapy at Antioch University, LA, and is currently adjunct faculty at PGI. In private practice, Jen specializes in neurodivergence and leads a consultation group for Gestalt Therapy trainees. Her recent work as a trainer has focused on Autism for Gestalt Therapists, including a pre-conference workshop at the 2024 IAAGT conference in Vera Cruz, Mexico, a workshop for Gestalt Training Institute Los Angeles, and both a workshop and consultation group for Gestalt Australia New Zealand.
Jen can be contacted at jenleongtherapy@gmail.com.
About the Gestalt Centre
The Gestalt Centre is the heart of Melbourne’s Gestalt community. We offer a four-year psychotherapy training program through Gestalt Therapy Australia, staying true to the experiential roots of Gestalt while embracing cutting-edge developments in contemporary Gestalt thinking and practice worldwide.
We also operate ConnectGround, a community-based counselling and psychotherapy clinic. ConnectGround serves as both a training facility for psychotherapists and a provider of low-cost individual and group therapy for clients. The clinic emphasises the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist as a key support for building awareness and adaptability. Psychotherapy interns and volunteers gain valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their skills and professionalism through client work.
Refund policy
Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event.
Please note:
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed, registration fees will be fully refunded. Please note that the organisers are not responsible for any travel, accommodation, or other costs incurred by participants.
