​Neurodivergence and Therapy - Why it matters

 

It is estimated that 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent (ND).

 

You have probably landed on this page because you know a little about your own neurodivergence - or perhaps a loved one's. Neurodivergence is a term that refers to a social justice (anti-oppressive) model of understanding differences in cognition, such as processing information, learning, memory, executive functioning and emotional regulation. 

 

Perhaps you were diagnosed as a child, and walked around with a whole load of diagnostic baggage you were far too young to process. Or perhaps you are late-diagnosed, and have started putting the many puzzle pieces together that all suddenly seem to make sense. 

 

People with a diagnosis listed above have often described feeling pathologised. Being labelled with a 'syndrome' or a 'disorder' can make people feel they are somehow defective or abnormal. This can be extremely damaging to a sense of identity and belonging. 

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Or maybe you don't have a diagnosis, but neurodivergence is on your radar because you have always felt a little different to those around you. 

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So many ND individuals describe how they have suffered from repetitive trauma in their lives: through trying to mask, fit in, minimise their differences, target of childhood and adult/workplace bullying, gaslighting, emotional/physical/psychological abuse, coercive control to name a few. ND individuals report higher rates of unemployment, relationship difficulties, and co-occuring mental health difficulties like depression, anxiety and OCD, which can significantly impact quality of life.

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As a result, I am deeply passionate about breaking down stigma around ND, making my counselling sessions that are rooted in empathy and respect, to feel like a place you can be completely yourself. 

 

In addition to my lived experience, I have completed extended training to ensure my practice is as neuro-affirming as possible. 

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• Using language that is non-pathologising 

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• Enabling you to explore your life experiences though an ND perspective

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• Help you focus on identifying and embracing ND characteristics and strengths

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• Facilitate creative/novel ways of working beyond just talking therapy - this can be led by you

 

• Make reasonable adjustments where possible, for example respect for difficulties within the session (possible exploration of sensory challenges, offering breaks, hybrid therapy pattern etc)

 

If you feel this approach could work for you, send me an email me for more details  - I look forward to hearing from you. ​​​​​​​

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