Counseling for people who identify as Neurodiverse
CriticalPath Counseling has had a long-standing commitment to individuals who identify as Neurodiverse. Melinda Carlisle Brackett has specialized training in Autism Spectrum Disorders from such cutting-edge research centers as The TEACCH Program at the University of North Carolina, the Mind Institute at UC Davis, and The Association for Autsim and Neurodiversity. Each CriticalPath Counseling Therapist is a parent, spouse, or family member of a neurodiverse person and so our experience is deep and we are able to capture the nuances needed when we teach DBT skills to this population.
Newly emerging research in teaching DBT Skills to individuals who identify as Neurodiverse has shown positive outcomes including increased ability to regulate emotions and tolerate distress. DBT therapy has shown to help with emotion regulation, difficulties with mood, struggles to get people to understand you, and help building a life of meaning and values.
CriticalPath Counseling is neurodiversity affirming. We customize all of our DBT Skills Training to reflect the distinct nuances of learning, living, and relationships experienced by people who are Neurodiverse. Call (408) 893-4032 or submit your contact information here for a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?
- Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is not a specific set of interventions or things the therapist says or does in their sessions. Rather, it is an approach to treatment and overarching philosophy that impacts how the therapist views their client and the client’s experience, much like trauma informed therapy is informed by individuals experience of trauma in every day life.
- When a therapist is neurodiversity-affirming, they recognize that neurodivergence by itself is not a flaw or illness that needs to be “fixed” or corrected. At the same time, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist acknowledges and affirms that neurodivergence can also be disabling. If someone insists that neurodivergence is always a strength with no deficits, they are falling into a thinking trap and not honoring the full experience of neurodivergent people.
- In sum, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist is aware that each client is the expert on their own experience and holds space for the good and the bad that come with it. They let neurodivergent communities lead the way in determining the most appropriate language, treatment intervention, and resources rather than telling them what they need based on neurotypical expectations.
Even therapists who are neurodiversity-affirming may have less knowledge about neurodivergent communities. While no therapist can be an expert on every topic, and even though therapists with expertise are not the experts on individual client experiences, we rely heavily on mutual respect and generous listening to deeply and fully understand a clients experience.
Our clients are our partners and our collaborators .
Call or Text Melinda Carlisle Brackett today to learn more about how we can help you with your goals. (408) 893-4032.
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