My goal as a therapist is to build an authentic relationship with each client so that the environment can be a safe space to share. I will make mistakes, as I will be a human showing up for this role, so I will work with each client towards accountability and a commitment to restoration and repairing the therapeutic alliance. This therapeutic alliance is what all psychotherapy relies on, and thus, finding the right fit is so important to the therapy process. Telling stories of our past and the harmful societal expectations we endure often reactivates our nervous systems. Neuroplasticity of our brains means that when experiencing this again in a safe(er) environment, the reorganization and reintegration while processing could impact our neurobiology and how we think. As we increase understanding and emotional congruence, we may, as an example, decrease the use of some coping mechanisms we no longer align with or are finding unfavourable. This is how I view the significance of spending time exploring the past to impact the future. In exploring the impact of the narratives we hold, communication is pivotal. Communication often is smoother when the therapist and client share the same neurotype.
I am neurodivergent and I typically work with others who are Autistic, ADHD, gifted, highly sensitive people, dyslexic, etc. Previously pathologized and referred to as “lacking theory of mind”, it is now understood that autistics generally understand one another better, than when sharing information with allistics. Working with other neurodivergent people is something that also aligns with my special interests as I am on this journey too and aids me in not having to do the mental gymnastics of translating my thoughts.
What I bring to offering neuro-affirming care is - the narrative therapy lens of viewing all clients as the experts of themselves, - MIGDAS-2 training informs my understanding of the deficit models of dynamic disabilities, - my personal experiences with being ‘deemed’ gifted in childhood, dx in adulthood as ADHD, self-identifying with characteristics of Autism, having long-standing, untreated co-occurring anxiety, and secondary symptoms of depression, - a sense of advocacy for change within the systems and environments which harm us, - viewing self as a complex set of parts informed by Internal Family Systems, - An understanding of intersectionality that extends beyond theory, - the patience for slow, steady relationship building from the psychodynamic approach, with exploring thoughts, feelings, transference, dreams, free association, past experiences, and patterns as they come up, - longer sessions to accommodate contextual transitions, time to get into creative thinking, (reduction of un-responded to doorknob disclosures).
