Group Therapy for Neurodivergent Burnout: Recover & Rebuild
What is the Recover & Rebuild Program for Neurodivergent Burnout
The Recover & Rebuild Program is a structured group for autistic adults experiencing ongoing or recurrent burnout. It was developed by one of our clinic directors, Dr Hugh Walker who had taken an interest in adapting schema therapy principles to treating recurrent cycles of autistic burnout. Hugh had written a blog about this for other clinicians and individuals suffering from burn out to explore in 2024 here.
Without needing to read the blog, the approach can be summarised as follows. Previous approaches have rightfully emphasised the importance of rest, solitude and sensory titration, however underemphasised the role of supporting participants to understand and work with the internal patterns that may continue to maintain recurrent burnout cycles once recovery is achieved in a never-ending cycle that is deeply rooted in earlier life experiences and meanings often created pre-awareness of one’s neurodivergence.
The group focuses on:
- internalised expectations and self-criticism
- longstanding coping patterns such as overcompensation, withdrawal, or suppression of needs
- disconnection from emotional and interoceptive cues
- difficulties recognising limits, needs, and early warning signs
Across the program, participants are supported to:
- understand their individual burnout patterns
- identify internal parts such as coping modes and critical voices
- reduce internal pressure and self-criticism
- reconnect with emotional needs and interoceptive signals
- develop more sustainable ways of responding to stress and demand
- build a more compassionate and realistic relationship with themselves
The program integrates Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, and mindfulness-based approaches.
This work is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming framework, with attention to both modifiable patterns and non-modifiable aspects of neurodevelopment.
Why group work matters
Group work provides an opportunity to recognise shared experiences, reduce social isolation, and develop insight within a structured and supportive environment.
While some individuals find individual therapy a space where they can share their authentic neurodivergent selves, after masking for so many decades making this shift in the community can feel too risky and or it may genuinely not be wise to reveal authentic needs in the current environment. The group, it also offers a transitory space that could be relatively safer to unmask, explore identity, and feel less alone in experiences that have often been carried privately over time.
Common outcomes from previous groups
Across previous groups, a number of consistent themes have emerged:
- A broader understanding of burnout as a pattern shaped by both external demands and internal processes
- Increased awareness of early warning signs, repeating cycles, and contributing factors
- Greater understanding of internal patterns, including critic processes, coping modes, vulnerable states, and unmet needs
- A shift in self-relationship, including reduced shame, increased self-compassion, and greater acceptance of needs and limits
- Practical strategies for day-to-day functioning, including energy accounting, planning, and recognising needs and boundaries
- A sense of shared experience and reduced isolation through connection with other neurodivergent adults
Program structure
- 10-session program
- Fortnightly format
- 2-hour sessions, $210 per session
- Small, therapist-led group
- Includes participant materials and between-session support
Groups are offered at different times across the year depending on demand and clinician availability.
Who this program is for
This program may be suitable for individuals who:
- are autistic and aged 21 years or older
- are experiencing ongoing or recurrent burnout
- are able to attend sessions in person at a private clinic
- are interested in understanding and working with internal patterns that may have been adaptive earlier in life, but are no longer aligned with their current self-knowledge and circumstances
- are open to reflective group-based work within a respectful and supportive setting
Concurrent individual therapy is recommended.
Who this program may not be suitable for
This program may not be suitable for individuals currently experiencing an acute phase of burnout requiring intensive or inpatient support in a public or private hospital. Participants need to be able to attend sessions in person at a private clinic.
Given the group therapy environment, individuals experiencing acute crisis or imminent risk of harm will need to have appropriate supports and safety plans in place with their treating team to be suitable for participation.
Participants are also expected to engage respectfully with others in the group process in order to remain eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participants may be able to access the group through NDIS funding or Medicare with an appropriate referral.
Medicare (GP Mental Health Treatment Plan)
- Referral must be dated on or before the first session
- Must clearly recommend group therapy
- Should reference symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, or stress in the context of burnout
NDIS Funding
NDIS funding may be available depending on individual plans and goals.
This program may support:
- community participation
- capacity building
- self-management and self-care
- social connection
We recommend discussing suitability with your support coordinator or plan manager prior to enrolment, ideally at least two months in advance.
Participants are typically formally diagnosed or identify as autistic. Please contact the clinic if unsure.
Many participants may be AuDHD as well and this is certainly taken into account in the model. Many ADHDers have internalised inner demanding critical voices from their childhood that was functional at one time to induce anxiety and guilt to make a deadline but has ultimately led to burnout cycles and functional collapse. The same model can apply to those AuDHD individuals. If however, you are not burnout and are looking to improve your executive functioning please see the Momentum Group option.
No. This program complements individual therapy.
Because the program is structured and group cohesion is important, consistent attendance is encouraged. If a session is missed, facilitators can support participants to stay connected to key themes; however, sessions are not repeated. Where possible, a make-up session may be offered with the group co-facilitator.
Participants can engage at a level that feels manageable. A willingness to reflect supports the process.
Participants may be invited to continue through the Kindling Collective, an ongoing group focused on maintaining progress and connection.
Care is taken to adjust sensory aspects of the room by providing comfortable chairs, low warm lighting, sensory fidgets, weighted blankets, water, and a 5-minute break in the middle of the session for movement regulation. Handouts are provided as aides for working memory and consolidation of learning. We encourage discussion of any other changes we can make to support the comfort of the group and its members.
Register your interest
If you would like to learn more about the program or be considered for an upcoming group, please complete the Minds & Hearts contact form and select Group Therapy: Expressions of Interest – M&H Neurodivergent Burnout Group: Recover & Rebuild.
Our team will be in touch to discuss suitability and upcoming availability.
Ready to get started?
Feel free to contact us, book an appointment and start your journey with Minds & Hearts NOW