Neurodivergence
(ADHD, Autism, AuDHD)
Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people who have brains that function, learn, and process information differently than a majority of the population. I work primarily with people who have neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, AuDHD. This means that their brains actually develop and grow in a way that is different from the majority of the population.
I am a neurodivergent therapist who supports neurodivergent clients and their loved ones seeking to better understand and support neurodivergence. Being neurodivergent can be very hard as most systems and structures were not developed with our differences in mind. We face systemic struggles, are told to work harder, are called lazy and feel defeated when we are trying so hard but nothing seems to be working.
Neurodivegence means that our brains work differently than the majority of people, so a lot of advice we are given, structures we implement, and strategies that are recommended do not work for us and that does not mean we are doing anything wrong. Through education, lived experience, and working with hundreds of neurodivergent individuals, I have learned a variety of strategies that can be used to help support neurodivergent individuals with their relationships, emotions, work life, and home life.
However, the most important thing I have learned is to listen to the person sitting across from me. I am here to support my clients toward their goals which means listening to what they need and meeting them where they are at. If a strategy doesn't work or doesn't sound feasible, I don't push it, I explore why. What are the unique barriers getting in the way, because knowing that helps us find strategies that will be used and help the client take steps toward living their best life.
Neurodivergence
What can therapy help neurodivergent clients with?
-Gaining a deeper understanding and identifications of feelings in oneself and others
-Identifying tools and techniques to help navigate intense emotions
-Improved communication skills and increased understanding of unspoken social norms/expectations
-Improved executive functioning skills such as time management, task initiation, task completion, planning and prioritizing tasks, cognitive flexibility (adjusting to changes/things not going as planned)
-Increased understanding of how your brain works and how to work with it instead of against it
-Learning how to unmask and connect with what you actually want and need
-Learning how to advocate for yourself and accommodate yourself in both personal and professional settings