ADHD & Autism
The mental health industry has not historically been a welcoming place for neurodivergent individuals. Although today there are many more therapists and activists who champion the rights of MMIND (mad, mentally ill, and neurodivergent individuals) people, neurodivergent people are still often treated poorly by mental health professionals. It is often common that neurodivergent people are unable to access effective, affirming care—and it is often unclear what therapists mean when they say they affirm neurodivergence. Here is what this means to me:
I respect self-diagnosis; you know yourself better that I do
I respect your right to take or not take medication, as you see fit
I want to help you live a life that works for you, not a life that other people approve of
Some of the things that my neurodivergent clients seek support for are:
Exploring potential neurodivergence
Processing a new diagnosis, or exploring a self-diagnosis
Building supportive systems
Learning to work with your brain rather than against it
Processing the effects of a non-affirming society and medical system