Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy

My private practice began with a focus on highly intelligent, emotionally sensitive, and creative individuals who struggled with the world in general. Now, I realize that a large group of those people are also what we would called Neurodivergent. Neurodiversity refers to the natural range of neurological differences that exist among human beings. It acknowledges that variations in brain function and behavioral traits are a normal and essential part of the human experience. This concept recognizes that individuals may have diverse ways of processing information, learning, and interacting with the world around them. Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological differences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological conditions. It emphasizes the value of embracing and respecting the unique perspectives and abilities of individuals with diverse neurological characteristics, rather than viewing these differences as deficits or disorders that need to be cured or corrected. This perspective encourages society to create inclusive environments that accommodate and celebrate the strengths and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their neurological makeup.

When I first learned about Neurodivergent affirming therapy, I was super excited because it spoke to what I had inherently known has worked for my clients. I also realized it was the reason why traditional therapy had never really worked for me personally. I have always felt that therapy rooted in understanding and honoring the unique strengths and challenges that come with various neurological differences was imperative to creating, as they say in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, “A life worth living.” I want all of my clients to feel that the therapy space is both safe and supportive where they can feel both accepted and understood.

As a therapist providing neurodivergent affirming therapy, I am extremely knowledgeable about the idea of masking and how damaging it can be for many neurodivergent people. A lifetime of masking leaves most people extremely disconnected from their own identity. It also exacerbates feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. I also work with my clients to figure out the unique ways that they can personally calm down their nervous system through sensory interventions and accommodations. Many of my neurodiverse clients also struggle with executive skills, such as memory, procrastination, emotion regulation, stress tolerance, task initiation, etc. I assist my clients to figure out what executive skills they might excel at so that they might use those skills to help in those areas where they are challenged.