NiMiN:
Neurodivergent Mindfulness Network
— a space for neurodivergent people to bring their experiences of practice, led by Jessica Andexer & Kelly Birtwell —
NiMiN is a community space for neurodivergent people to share their experiences of practice across 3-4 group sessions per year. Each session is 1.5 hours, and is live only—no recordings will be available.
During the sessions, three brief mindfulness practices will be offered, during the beginning, middle, and end.
Space in between practices will be to discuss those practices or any other practice related topics that come up. Some future sessions may include themes, if there are topics that regularly come up.
This is a a safe space for ND people to ask questions that they might not have felt comfortable asking elsewhere.
All members will be asked to adhere to a community agreement at the start of each session (found below). We welcome suggestions for changes as the group evolves.
Who this is/isn’t for:
The group is for neurodivergent meditators or ND people who practice mindfulness (in whatever form, including mindfulness in daily life).
ND people who have never tried mindfulness before would also be welcome.
People who are 'neuro-questioning' (unsure of their neurotype and questioning whether they might be neurodivergent) are welcome.
While we can discuss adverse effects we cannot provide support for ND people who are currently in crisis. We would signpost anyone who needs this kind of support to Cheetah House services.
This is not a space for neurotypical teachers who want to learn about teaching ND people in their group. If there is interest in this, we could discuss offering something in the future.
ND teachers are welcome but this is not CPD or supervision, we are not there to extract information from people in the group.
There is a chance that some attendees may have met in their roles as course/group participants and teachers. We will advise people to take care of themselves and only share/show up in ways that suit them.
About the moderators:
Jessica Andexer has been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2006. In addition to her clinical work, she is an educator, consultant, and mindfulness teacher. Jessica has worked across a wide range of settings, including trauma services, universities, charities, and the NHS - bringing her passion for accessible mental health support to diverse communities.
Deeply interested in neuroscience, movement, and creativity, she is always exploring new ways of connecting ideas, especially where science meets mental health and wellbeing. Jessica identifies as multiply neurodivergent, queer, and physically disabled. Creating inclusive, accessible spaces is central to how she works.
Dr Kelly Birtwell is a neurodivergent counsellor, mindfulness teacher, and chartered psychologist. She has taught mindfulness in a range of settings including the NHS, higher education, workplace settings and third sector organisations. Kelly is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research at the University of Manchester, UK. Her research focuses on two main areas: mindfulness for underserved groups, and the health and wellbeing of autistic adults. Kelly enjoys working collaboratively with people with lived experience and aims to improve access to healthcare for people who are currently underserved by research and practice.
First group session will be held on October 6th at 12pm EDT, 5pm BST
Participation in this group is completely free.
Cheetah House provides us with a number of resources to run this group. You are welcome to make a donation if you wish.
Questions? Email us at cheetahhouse.org@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!