Therapeutic Approaches
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Welcome to the world of neurodiversity-affirming therapy! This approach fully embraces and celebrates the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent people. It rejects the idea that neurodivergence is a problem to be fixed and instead recognizes it as a natural and valuable variation of human experience. This form of therapy focuses on empowering individuals by acknowledging their strengths, honoring their unique perspectives, and supporting them in navigating a world that often misunderstands or marginalizes their neurodivergent traits. In our validating and safe-enough space, we aim to enhance self-acceptance, promote overall well-being, and heal the effects of an overwhelming world, including burnout, depression, anxiety, masking, and anything else the world has heaped upon you.
Contemplative Therapy
Contemplative psychotherapy is uniquely helpful for neurodivergent people. At its core, the contemplative approach sees all humans as having innate wisdom or health that can never be destroyed - it can only be covered up like the sun behind clouds. Unlike how society often views neurodivergent people as ‘wrong’ or ‘pathological’, the contemplative approach, like the neurodiversity-affirming approach, views ND people as already innately whole. With this approach, we seek to identify where your innate wisdom is already present, and help to further uncover it. You can expect to notice a decrease in your mental ill-health, feel more self-acceptance and compassion, and an increase in your sense of wellness and fulfillment.
Somatic
Therapy
Somatic psychotherapy places emphasis on our bodies as a place of healing. Oftentimes, trauma is stored in the body, which leads us to feel disconnected from ourselves, a loss of purpose, or difficulty feeling our emotions (alexithymia). Somatic therapies help us to reconnect with our inherent wisdom through reconnecting with the body. Working in this way supports a decrease in your trauma symptoms (including masking), a decrease in alexithymia, a greater sense of connection with self, and feeling more aligned with your values and purpose. This approach can sometimes feel intimidating, so know that we will only move in this direction if you desire.
Relational Approach
Relational therapy is a vital approach for neurodivergent individuals, recognizing that the healing experienced within the therapeutic relationship extends beyond the therapy sessions. Your relationship with your therapist, which is the primary factor influencing how effective therapy is, is prioritized in this approach. By fostering a safe-enough and trusting environment, relational therapy allows you to authentically explore and express yourself. This transformative process of building a strong therapeutic connection facilitates personal growth and empowers you to carry the benefits into your everyday life.
Cultural Humility in Relationship
I deeply value the importance of context and individual backgrounds. Each person brings a unique cultural perspective shaped by factors such as race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or spiritual beliefs, ability or disability, and socioeconomic status. Through my continuous engagement in diverse community and ongoing education, I actively strive to understand how these dynamics influence the therapeutic relationship. I incorporate the practice of "broaching," initiating open conversations about the ways these dynamics manifest in a person's life, including their fears, concerns, desires, and limitations in society or therapy. While I have received specialized training in psychotherapy modalities that are often beneficial for individuals from diverse backgrounds, I firmly believe that each individual is the expert on their own life circumstances. Collaborative and open dialogue play a crucial role in cultivating a therapeutic relationship based on trust, safety, and accurate reflection.