Neurodivergent-Informed Therapy

What is ‘neurodiversity-informed’ therapy?

In our general therapy services, our clinicians are experienced in working with adults and children who are autistic and/or who have ADHD. All our therapists will have done some additional training and learning around neurodiversity, and have experience of adapting their core therapy approaches when working with neurodivergent clients.

We recognize there is no ‘one size fits all’ – every neurodivergent person is unique, just as every neurotypical person is. There are many different types of therapy available in our service, and all can be adapted to be suitable, depending on preference and what you’d like to use therapy for. Some people prefer a structured therapy approach, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Others prefer a less directive therapy approach which offers more space for reflection and making sense of their unique experiences with gentle guidance from the therapist.

‘Neurodiversity-informed’ therapy at The Retreat Clinics

Rather than being a specific type or model of therapy, ‘neurodiversity-informed therapy’ means our therapists hold in mind their knowledge of neurodiversity and how it can impact people’s experience and their lives, while approaching each client with curiosity and open mindedness, not making assumptions.

Our therapists take time to understand what your experiences mean to you, and what your needs are, so that therapy can be adapted accordingly. For example, we understand it may be important to;

 

  • ensure that the therapy environment is reliable and predictable, and not distracting or over-stimulating, being careful to avoid sensory overload.

 

  • take time to develop awareness of internal sensations and experience, in order to support you to enjoy or better regulate sensory sensitivities (you may also be interested in our Occupational Therapy sensory processing assessment services[add link to a webpage if we have it?]).

 

  • pace the therapy sessions and therapy work according to your needs, taking time to think about what you would like to focus on, making sure goals are realistic for the time we have, and noticing if a longer or shorter session time is more helpful.

 

  • use clear and direct communication, taking time to understand how we can best communicate in therapy with you and not making assumptions about what is understood between you and your therapist.

 

  • use structure in therapy and make any rules clear, so that you can know where you stand and what is happening.

 

  • understand the high levels of effort and stress there can be around feeling you have to ‘fit in’ in the face of social pressures, stigma and discrimination which can cause high levels of anxiety and depression for neurodivergent people. For many neurodivergent people this has been a lifelong source of distress and even trauma. Therapy can help you reduce this distress and help you to regulate your emotions around social interactions.

 

  • be open and interested in what interests you, being curious about and acknowledging your strengths and pursuits and supporting these.

 

  • wherever you are on the journey, be interested in your thoughts and feelings about a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, or about beginning the process of assessment.

 

  • understand that some mental health issues present differently for neurodivergent people (such as difficulties with eating or obsessive compulsive behaviour), and may need a different approach in treatment.

 

  • provide information and signposting to further resources around autism and ADHD, for you and for your family or friends.

 

If you would like to know more about how therapy could help you, please get in touch using the contact form below.

You can find out more about types of therapy approaches available here:

Mental Health Support | Adult Mental Health Services – The Retreat Clinics

    

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