Challenges & countercards — Reframing neurodivergent struggles

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Focus: Recognizing common challenges and finding symbolic strengths.

How: Introduce a set of core neurodivergent challenges, such as:

· Overstimulation or sensory overwhelm

· Rejection sensitivity / social exhaustion

· Cognitive overload and/or organisation challenges

· Self-doubt or masking fatigue

· Feeling “too much” / “not enough”

For each theme, present one or two tarot cards as reflective symbols.

Examples:

· Overwhelm → Ten of Wands: carrying too much, need to redistribute load.

· Masking → The Magician reversed: performing competence vs authentic presence.

· Rejection sensitivity → Five of Cups: mourning loss but missing what remains.

· Executive dysfunction → Eight of Swords: stuckness, self-criticism; invite gentle release.

· Self-doubt → Strength: quiet resilience, self-trust.

After discussing each card’s possible meaning, participants choose the card they relate to most and respond creatively:

Write: “What does this card understand about my experience?”

Or: collage/draw “What might this card teach me about compassion for myself?”

The inner team — Exploring parts of the self

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Focus: Self-acceptance and understanding different inner modes (helpful for ADHD/autistic masking, burnout, etc.).

How: Lay out 6–8 visually varied tarot cards.

Prompts:

· “Pick one that feels like your Productive Self.”

· “Pick one that feels like your Overwhelmed Self.”

· “Pick one that feels like your Authentic Self.”

Reflect or create small drawings/writings for each:

· “What does this part need?”

· “What’s its gift?”

· “How can the cards talk to each other?”

Archetypes of neurodivergent power — Claiming strengths

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Focus: Moving from deficit to strength-based narrative.

How: Explore cards associated with particular positive neurodivergent archetypes:

· The Fool: curiosity, divergent thinking, courage to be different.

· The Hermit: introspection, deep focus, needing solitude.

· The Hanged One: alternative perspective, patience, stillness.

· The Star: authenticity, hope, visibility after struggle.

· The High Priestess: intuition, inner knowing, processing deeply.

Invite participants to choose the archetype they most recognise in themselves or want to cultivate.

Reflective prompt:

· “How does this archetype live in me?” or

· “What would life look like if I trusted this part more?”