Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy

What is Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy?

Schema Therapy Adapted for Neurodivergence (the STAND Attuned model) was collaboratively developed with my Psychologist colleagues to better serve the therapy needs of neurodivergent adults. The neuro-normative Schema Therapy model developed by Jeffrey Young is, in many ways, a good fit for neurodivergent individuals, whose psychological difficulties in adulthood often connect to experiences of unmet emotional needs in childhood. We propose a number of adaptations to the original model , in recognition that neurodivergence will impact every stage of the therapy process from engagement through to assessment, formulation, intervention, and evaluation of outcome. 

For clients You may benefit from this approach if you identify as, or are questioning neurodivergence AND you are experiencing persistent or recurrent difficulties in your life (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress, relationship or interpersonal issues, "stuckness" or low motivation).

For therapists We contend that Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy requires more than knowing about both Schema Therapy and affirming practice. It is an integrated approach drawing from a broad range of theoretical and conceptual models. 

Further information for clinicians

• Visit learn.standattuned.au to download a free summary poster of the STAND Attuned model, for training opportunities and free resources

• Listen to What's The Schemata Podcast Neurodiversity Affirming approaches in Schema Therapy 

• Listen to Mental Work Podcast with guest Dr Emma DeCicco  

• Read Spicer, DeCicco, Clarke, Ambrosius & Yalcin (2024) for a critical review of research on the therapy needs of Autistic and ADHD individuals, published in Frontiers in Psychology. This paper was a collaboration with members of the STAND Attuned group.

The STAND Attuned Group

The STAND Attuned group comprises 5 experienced Clinical and Generalist Psychologists in Perth, WA (In alphabetical order, to represent our non-hierarchical collaboration):

Rikki Ambrosius Clinical Psychologist, Nedlands WA

Kate Clarkson, (currently on non-practicing leave)

Dr Emma DeCicco Clinical Psychologist, Director of The Dash Health Hub, Carine WA

Alyssa Garrett, Clinical Psychologist, Neurodiversity Haven Psychology, Karrinyup WA

Sherry-Lee Smith The Holistic Psychologist, Wembley WA

Collectively bringing more than 50 years experience to their private clinical practices, the group originated as a peer-led learning space for advanced practice in Schema Therapy, focused on working with clients who had complex and persistent presenting concerns, including co-occurring neurodivergence. The STAND Attuned model was developed from combining expertise in the practice of  Schema Therapy with listening to our clients' and other neurodivergent voices.

The name STAND Attuned is derived from the acronym (Schema Therapy Adapted for Neurodivergence) and is intended to highlight the fundamental importance of skilled therapist attunement to effective Schema Therapy intervention, which cannot be achieved without truly understanding and empathising with the experience of the client.