“The world needs all kinds of minds”
Neurodiversity
Working with neurodiversity in therapy involves recognizing and embracing the unique ways in which individuals think, feel, and process information. Neurodiverse clients, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other cognitive differences, may experience the world in a unique way, which can influence their emotional and social experiences. In therapy, the focus is on understanding each client’s strengths, challenges, and needs, and tailoring approaches to support their personal growth.
When working with neurodiverse clients I use strategies that honor these differences, such as providing clear structure, using visual aids, adjusting communication styles, and fostering sensory-friendly environments. The goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to navigate their own challenges, while promoting self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
NEURODIVERSITY IN THERAPY
NEURODIVERSITY IN THERAPY
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Imagine you're trying to drive a car, but the steering wheel is wobbly, the pedals keep getting stuck, and the GPS keeps rerouting you randomly. That’s kinda what life can feel like when you have ADHD! But therapy is like having a super skilled mechanic who tunes up your car, helps you get your steering back on track, and teaches you how to fix those sticky pedals. It doesn’t make the car magically perfect, but it gives you tools to navigate those wobbly turns and confusing detours.
In therapy, you’ll learn ways to make those wandering thoughts behave, improve focus (so you don’t end up driving in circles), and manage the times when you feel like you're speeding through life without hitting the brakes. A therapist might even teach you some fun brain exercises, like mental muscle-building, that make focusing feel more like a game and less like a challenge.
So, therapy helps make your brain's car run a little smoother and more predictable, but the joyride is still yours to enjoy!
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Imagine your brain is like a superhero costume, but it’s a little too big or sometimes feels a bit awkward to wear. You have amazing superpowers, like thinking in super detailed ways or noticing things others miss, but sometimes those powers are hard to control or don’t work the way others expect.
Therapy is like having a trusty sidekick who helps adjust your superhero suit so it fits just right! They show you how to use your superpowers in ways that make you feel more comfortable in your world. Maybe they teach you how to understand when people are joking or how to navigate busy social situations without feeling overwhelmed.
With therapy, you get to learn some cool "power-ups" for dealing with tricky stuff like emotions or change. It doesn't change who you are, but it helps you feel more confident and ready to take on any challenge, all while rocking your superhero suit!
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Imagine your brain is like a radio station, but sometimes it gets stuck on the same song over and over again. You try to change the channel, but it keeps blasting that one tune that you just can't get out of your head. That’s kind of what OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) feels like—your brain keeps playing certain thoughts, and it wants you to act on them, even when you don’t want to.
Therapy is like having a DJ who knows how to help you switch to a better channel. They teach you how to tune out those annoying repeat tracks and show you how to let go of the need to act on every song your brain plays. It’s not about turning off the radio completely (because that would be impossible), but about learning how to switch between stations and find some peaceful, quiet spaces.
With therapy, you get better at turning down the volume on those compulsive urges, so you can listen to the music of life without getting stuck on repeat!
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Imagine being the captain of a spaceship, but your crew is made up of all kinds of quirky, unique aliens. They each have their own way of communicating, navigating, and reacting to space adventures. Sometimes, it feels like you're all trying to work together, but you’re not sure how to make everyone’s systems sync up.
Therapy for parents of neurodiverse kids is like having a cosmic guide who helps you understand how each alien works. They teach you how to communicate with them better, how to recognize their needs and quirks, and how to build a crew dynamic that keeps the spaceship flying smoothly. The guide helps you figure out strategies for when the journey gets rocky, whether it's handling meltdowns, managing routines, or celebrating the small victories.
With therapy, you get tools that make you feel more confident as the captain of your ship, so you and your crew can boldly go on all kinds of amazing adventures together—no matter how different your alien crew members are!