Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
What is Neurodiversity?
Every person is neurodiverse. Every person has a unique combination of needs and abilities.
Neurodiversity is a term used to refer to the natural variation in brain development and function amongst humans.
What is Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy?
This therapeutic approach grew out of the Neurodiversity Affirming Paradigm, a social justice movement that advocates for the rights of neurodivergent people based on the recognition that:
Variation in brain development and function is a valid and important contributor to diversity amongst humans
A neurodiversity affirming practice will:
Recognise that difference is not the same as deficit
Affirm the client as expert on their own experience
Make environmental accommodations to facilitate comfort and engagement
NOT attempt to treat or change neurodivergence, but instead...
Support and facilitate client-directed goal attainment
Listen to neurodivergent voices and experiences to guide therapeutic practice
To borrow from my ACT training, it is my values-driven, committed action to create a space where my clients feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgement. In addition to my therapeutic stance, the consulting room is an environment with low sensory, social, and executive functioning demands, and you are welcome to request adjustments (e.g. change lighting, add/subtract fragrance, remove visual distractions, online sessions, drawing/writing pads instead of voice).
But I am not neurodivergent...is this service for me?
Yes. Neurodivergence is a term to describe when brain development and function differs from what is considered typical or average. But neurodiversity applies to everyone.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy is about recognising that every brain is different, and you are entitled to receive services in a way that suits your unique neuro-style. This practice welcomes all adults who are interested in working toward meaningful change in their lives, including those who are diagnosed, self-identified, or questioning a neuro-identity such as Autism or ADHD.