I specialize in working with clients who have ADHD and might also be neurodivergent (ND) in some other way, be it twice-exceptional, autistic (or AuDHD), or have CPTSD. You might have been late-diagnosed, diagnosed as a child or not clinically diagnosed but self-identified. You might treat your ADHD with prescribed medication, or you might be self-medicating in some way. I am open to all these presentations.

Neurodivergence refers to having a brain that works in ways that are quite different from what society considers "normal." This way of thinking is beginning to move away from the medical view that sees neurodiversity as a disability or something lacking, overlooking the oppression ND individuals have faced. Instead, neurodiversity is more often seen as a natural part of human diversity, important for a society that makes room for all kinds of minds.

As a neurodivergent human myself, I am all too familiar with the number of mental health professionals who lack the education to have the sensitivity to offer appropriate care to neurodivergent individuals. From my experience, ND people often require the support of talk therapy to address:

• their identity as a neurodivergent individual in a neurotypical world,

• how to manage their functional and interpersonal struggles,

• masking, and

• burnout.

The literature has identified clarity in communication, flexibility, validation, collaboration, sensitivity to communication and sensory needs, and encouragement of self-advocacy as crucial elements of neurodivergent-affirming care.

ADHD-affirming therapy, as I offer it, is experiential and hands-on. I have found this approach is more satisfying because clients create change during the session, unlike behavioural therapies that involve "homework" between sessions, which can be tough for neurodivergent individuals to follow through on. ADHD-affirming therapy needs to be more collaborative and build both self-awareness and awareness of the outside world. It also involves more body-based (somatic or embodied) techniques and focuses on practical skills. I offer all this in a compassionate, non-pathologizing way. While sometimes frustrating or confusing, I view ADHD as a strength, not something we need to be cured of.

Autism-affirming therapy is very beautifully explained here. I am currently working through a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist training, which affirms neurodiversity with strengths- and abilities-based interventions and has been illuminating for me and supportive for my clients.