Neuroaffirming Practice
My psychotherapy approach is neuro-affirming. I recognise that autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent identities lie on the natural spectrum of human biodiversity. My attempt is not to change it but to work towards self-acceptance and living authentically, with the right balance, pace and useful accommodations.
Neurodivergent brains are wired differently
Neurodivergent brains are wired differently. Generally speaking, different synaptic responsiveness influences how people process cognitive and sensory information, which in turn affects how they perceive and make sense of themselves and their world.
Unmasking
One of the aims of neuroaffirming psychotherapy is to create a space where you can feel free to unmask. The pressure to mask is one of the problems affecting the mental health of neurodivergent people. Some go to great lengths, through conscious or unconscious efforts, to hide their natural traits and mimic neurotypical norms even from a young age. This feels inauthentic and exhausting, while long-term costs can lead to burnout and chronic health problems.
Working with accommodations
With this in mind, I create an environment where we work together to accommodate your needs in our relationship, communication, and the way we play, and by creating a sensory-friendly physical environment with plenty of permission to self-regulate.
Mental health with a neurodivergent lens
Undoubtedly neurodivergence increases vulnerability to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders and more. Often, these are linked to the struggles of living in a world which is predominantly designed for neurotypical people. Therefore, I aim to explore it with this lens in mind and looking for suitable and realistic solutions.
Assessment and diagnosis
Sometimes people who come to see me are aware of their neurodivergence and have an official diagnosis. At other times, this is unknown to them, and it is in the process of our work together that the possibility of it emerges. As a psychotherapist I do not provide formal assessment. However, I offer my clinical expertise to identify traits and can guide you to specialists to obtain a diagnosis.
Bearing in mind diagnostic and support gaps, I am always open to liaising with other professionals and relevant institutions, such as schools or workplaces, to advocate for suitable accommodations and understanding for all of my neurodivergent clients.