Therapeutic Group - Building Healthy Relationships Group for Men with ASD

This is a 75min structured therapeutic group programme for autistic men experiencing difficulty with relationships. It is a developmental, relational intervention grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and ethics.

Clinical Philosophy
The programme assumes autistic men are capable of healthy relationships when provided with explicit, respectful, and structured support. The focus is on clarity, containment, emotional regulation, and ethical relating rather than behaviour correction or shame.

Therapeutic Models Used
The programme integrates neurodiversity-affirming practice, attachment-informed therapy, adapted CBT, mentalisation-based principles, trauma-informed care, and structured psychoeducation.

Governance and Safeguarding
Risk is managed through clear boundaries, consent education, emotional regulation skills, and escalation pathways. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied and facilitators receive supervision.

Session Structure
Each session follows a predictable structure: opening, review, teaching
content, structured exercise, reflection, and closing.

Session-by-Session Overview
Session 1: Foundations – Safety, Structure, and Purpose
Session 2: Understanding Yourself as an Autistic Man
Session 3: Emotional Awareness and Regulation
Session 4: What Is a Relationship?
Session 5: Communication Without Guessing
Session 6: Consent, Boundaries, and Power
Session 7: Attraction, Intimacy, and Sexual Scripts
Session 8: Attachment and Emotional Closeness
Session 9: Rejection, Loss, and Repair
Session 10: Healthy Masculinity
Session 11: Building a Relational Life
Session 12: Integration and Forward Planning

Fee: £130 per session