Inclusive Therapy for Every Mind
Supporting Neurodiversity with Understanding and Care
What can I expect to get out of therapy for neurodiversity?
Although I cannot provide a formal diagnosis for Autism or ADHD due to the scope of my license, I provide an affirming and safe space for all to learn coping skills, become educated, and process issues that relate to their diagnoses.
Therapy for neurodivergent folks can be a lot of things, and might include some of the following:
Education on neurodiversity and specific diagnoses
Diagnosis processing and coping with stigma and accommodations.
Building self-advocacy, boundary-setting, and coping skills (mindfulness, breathing, self-regulation, distress tolerance, etc.).
Navigating relationships (family, friends, partners) while managing personal needs (such as personal space and rest) and boundaries.
Addressing challenges in work and school settings to prevent burnout, enhance strengths, advocate for accommodations, and maintain balance.
Managing chronic illness or pain
Supporting LGBTQIA+ identities and navigating diagnosis-related issues.
“It’s neurotypicals who categorized Autism as a social disorder.” Autistic people don’t actually lack communication skills, or a drive to connect. We aren’t doomed to forever feel lonely and broken. We can step out of the soul-crushing cycle of reaching for neurotypical acceptance and being rejected despite our best efforts. Instead, we can support and uplift one another, and create our own neurodiverse world where everyone – including neurotypicals – is welcome.”
What is neurodivergent-affirming care look like?
Simply put, neurodivergent care is non-pathologizing. I foster relationships and opportunities for individuals to:
Heal from trauma caused by marginalization (such as ableism and other intersectional issues)
Tap into their potential for joy, pleasure, and neutrality
Feel accepted, respected, and valued
Connect with their strengths
Recognize their innate wisdom to fulfill their needs
Develop a toolbox of strategies for both coping and thriving
Understand and appreciate their unique perspectives and information processing
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term created by Judy Singer in the 1990s. She wanted a term that lacks a pathological influence such as “disorder” to describe something perfectly healthy and normal that researchers were noticing about some brains. Many brains diverted from the norm and had markedly different strengths and weaknesses. These brains, called “neurodivergent,” often demonstrate strengths such as pattern recognition, high creativity, strong focus, and attention to detail. It should be emphasized that no two brains are ever alike, but that for the sake of research, most brains broadly fall into one of the two categories of neurotypical or neurodivergent.
Neurodivergence is becoming an increasingly popular term, and it continues to destigmatize normal human experiences. Many of my neurodivergent clients might also embrace labels such as ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, HSP, and more to create more descriptors around their lived experiences.
Neurodiversity Fundamentals