Therapy should be a safe space for everyone, especially for neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from what society norms as “typical;” however, even this has deeply ableist roots and instead, it is better to simply acknowledge neurodivergence as natural variations in brain style and neurotype that exists. This includes people with Autistic or ADHD neurotypes. Neuroaffirming practices in therapy help to honor and respect all neurotypes and natural variations in brain style.
Using neuroaffirming practices means understanding that there is no “one-size-fits-all” method in therapy. These practices aim to create an environment where neurodivergent clients feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s about making therapy more inclusive and effective for people of all neurotypes and is another way in which we aspire to be culturally humble in our care practices.
We will explore neuroaffirming practices, their core principles, and how they can be implemented in therapy sessions. By embracing these practices, therapists can better serve their neurodivergent clients, ultimately enhancing their well-being and quality of life.
Defining Neuroaffirming Practices
What Are Neuroaffirming Practices?
Neuroaffirming practices in therapy are about recognizing, respecting, and valuing the natural variations in brain style. When it comes to working with neurodivergent clients, these practices aim to create a supportive environment where neurodivergent clients can thrive. Likewise, neuroaffirming therapy does not try to “fix” or change the client’s neurotype, as they do not need changing or fixing. To the contrary, any model that tries to change or “fix” a person’s neurotype causes harm to a person’s mental health and self-identity. Instead, it focuses on understanding their unique perspectives, needs, and strengths. Neuroaffirming care emphasizes supporting clients through their challenges and supporting their needs. It also seeks to empower neurodivergent individuals to recognize and leverage their strengths, of which there are many!
Importance of Neuroaffirming Practices in Therapy
Neuroaffirming practices are essential for effective therapy. They help clients feel fully accepted and understood, which is crucial for building trust. When therapists use neuroaffirming practices, they make therapy more accessible and comfortable for neurodivergent clients. This approach can lead to better outcomes, as clients are more likely to engage and benefit from the therapeutic process.
Core Principles of Neuroaffirming Therapy
Respecting Neurodivergent Identities
Respect is a cornerstone of neuroaffirming therapy. Therapists must acknowledge and honor their clients’ neurodivergent identities. This means using language that is respectful and inclusive. For example, having a conversation about the use of identity-first language. Likewise, ensuring that therapy is conducted in a way that respects sensory and communication needs.
Promoting Self-Acceptance and Self-Advocacy
Neuroaffirming therapy also assists clients in embracing and celebrating who they are, and may also require attention and support to working through internalized messaging provided from a historically non-neuroaffirming world. Therapists help clients build self-acceptance and confidence in their own identities. Promoting self-advocacy is also key. Therapists can empower clients to share their needs and rights, both in and out of therapy. This support can help clients navigate the unfortunately neuronormative world while staying true to themselves.
Implementing Neuroaffirming Techniques in Sessions
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
A sensory-friendly environment is crucial for neurodivergent clients. Many neurodivergent individuals have unique sensory needs. To support these needs, therapists can make several adjustments. This might include dimming the lights, using noise-canceling materials, or providing for clients to use sensory tools like fidget items. Weighted blankets, or weighted stuffed animals can also be helpful and comforting. Consider the smells and fabrics in your office space as well. Such an environment helps clients feel more comfortable and reduces sensory overload.
Using Clear and Direct Communication
Clear and direct communication is another critical aspect of neuroaffirming techniques. Oftentimes neurodivergent clients prefer straightforward language. People also have different ways of communicating, and of giving and receiving information. Visual aids, written instructions, opportunities to type or draw, or offering summaries can also help. By communicating clearly, and by offering various ways to communicate, therapists ensure that clients are able to fully engage in the therapy process.
Incorporating Passions and Interests
Every client is unique, so therapy methods should be tailored to their specific needs. One way is to also incorporate passions and interests to assist in building rapport with the client. This is also an excellent way to get a better understanding of the clients inner world. Incorporating interests and passions into psychoeducational concepts can also be helpful.
Support For Unmasking
Unmasking can be a deeply personal process that often goes hand in hand with identity integration. This may involve play, movement, stimming, and feeling genuinely empowered to exist exactly as one wants, and needs, to. Helping clients to lean into the creation of a safe, personal space to explore and embrace their authentic self can be incredibly empowering in and of itself.
Benefits of Neuroaffirming Practices for Neurodivergent Clients
Building Trust and Rapport
Building trust and rapport is essential in any therapeutic relationship, but it is especially important for neurodivergent clients, who report higher levels of trauma and negative experiences with mental health and medical providers when compared to neurotypical counterparts. Being aware of, and addressing, how traumatic invalidation has impacted neurodivergent folks and shaped some of their own perceptions of themselves is key, and mandatory, prior to engaging in additional trauma work. Neuroaffirming practices help create a safe and accepting space where clients feel understood and respected. When clients trust their therapist, they are more likely to open up and engage in the therapy process.
Enhancing Therapeutic Outcomes
Neuroaffirming practices can lead to better therapeutic outcomes. When therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of clients, they are more likely to make progress. Clients who feel seen, heard, celebrated, and safe are more motivated to participate in sessions and share openly. This can result in more effective treatment and faster improvement in things such as anxiety, mood challenges, and can help to promote burnout recovery.
Fostering Long-Term Well-Being
The ultimate goal of therapy is to foster long-term well-being. Neuroaffirming practices help clients develop supports and strategies that they can use throughout their lives. By promoting self-acceptance and self-advocacy, therapists enable clients to navigate the world with confidence. This long-term support leads to a better quality of life and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Embracing neuroaffirming practices in therapy is vital for supporting neurodivergent clients. These practices respect and value the unique experiences of each individual, helping them feel comfortable and understood. From creating sensory-friendly environments to using flexible and varied communication approaches, therapists have many ways to implement neuroaffirming techniques. These efforts build trust, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and foster long-term well-being.
At Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent clients. If you or a loved one could benefit from neuroaffirming therapy, contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. Your journey to better mental health starts with Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, where you are always valued and respected.
