Kindred

Adjective Kin·Dred
Of A Similar Nature Or Character:
A *Kindred* Spirit

When I first began my journey into coaching—grounded in my own lived experience as an autistic ADHDer—I sought a set of principles that felt both authentic and affirming. I wanted to cultivate a space where neurodivergent adults could feel seen, valued, and empowered. Over time, I found myself returning to a particular constellation of values that shape my presence, my decisions, and the way I relate to every person I work with. My KINDRED ethos.

What KINDRED Means to Me

I first came across the term ‘Kindred Spirits’ in the novel Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery. The book was one of my childhood favourites, with Anne’s longing and endless search to find others like her, who accept her for all that she is.

For me, the KINDRED ethos isn’t a set of exercises or a step-by-step program. It’s a touchstone—a way of being in relationship with myself, my clients, and our shared work. Every letter represents a value that guides the atmosphere, priorities, and intentions of my practice:

K – Knowledge
Striving to honour curiosity and continual learning—about neurodivergence, lived experience, and each person’s unique narrative.

I – Identity & Insights
Holding space for the unfolding of authentic selfhood, supporting the recognition and celebration of each client’s distinct identity and the wisdom of their insights.

N – Nurturing & Neuroaffirming
Bringing a nurturing, compassionate presence to every session, infusing my work with deep respect for neurodivergent needs and the importance of neuroaffirming spaces.

D – Discovery
Approaching coaching as a collaborative exploration, embracing the unexpected and making room for growth, new strategies, and gentle experimentation.

R – Recognition
Making it a priority to acknowledge effort, growth, and lived realities—valuing both visible achievements and quiet acts of self-advocacy.

E – Empathy
Aiming to embody genuine empathy, welcoming all feelings and perspectives without judgment, and supporting clients in cultivating self-compassion.

D – Direction
While I support goal-setting and forward movement, I’m guided by each client’s own values, pacing, and sense of purpose—always client-led.

A plant and some brass coloured desk accessories in the foreground with a framed print of a page from the novel "Anne of Green Gables" with the words: "Kindred Spirits are not to scarce as I use to think" — “Kindred Spirits are not so scarce as I used to think”

**Anne Of Green Gables**
**~ L M Montgomery**

How the KINDRED Ethos Shapes My Work

The KINDRED ethos is the heart behind my coaching, influencing:

The way I listen—with curiosity and respect, not assumptions.
The spaces I create—gentle, flexible, and explicitly neuroaffirming.
The questions I ask—inviting discovery and celebration, not “fixing” or changing.

This ethos means my coaching is not about pushing people into boxes, but about standing alongside them as they discover what thriving looks like for them—on their terms.

Why KINDRED?

Because as neurodivergent people, we deserve more than coping strategies—we deserve a foundation of respect, warmth, and kinship. KINDRED reminds me, every day, to cultivate an atmosphere where difference is valued, and authentic selfhood is welcomed and meaningful connections can be built.