Understanding Neurodivergence and How Therapy Can Help
Neurodivergence is not a disorder to be fixed—it’s a natural variation in how the brain works. However, many neurodivergent individuals struggle in a world that isn’t designed for them, leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
Traditional therapy often fails to support neurodivergent people effectively, focusing on masking or “coping” rather than understanding and embracing neurodivergence. My approach is different—I provide therapy that is affirming, practical, and tailored to the way neurodivergent minds work.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to differences in brain function that affect thinking, learning, and interacting with the world. This includes:
- ADHD – Differences in attention, executive function, motivation, and energy regulation.
- Autism – Unique sensory processing, social communication styles, and deep focus on specific interests.
- Other forms of neurodivergence – Including Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia.
Many individuals don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood or may self-identify as neurodivergent based on their experiences. Therapy can provide a space to explore, understand, and navigate neurodivergence in a way that is affirming and empowering.
Common Challenges Neurodivergent People Face
Because society is built for neurotypical people, neurodivergent individuals often experience:
- Masking – Suppressing natural behaviors to fit in, leading to exhaustion and loss of identity.
- Burnout – Chronic mental and physical exhaustion from navigating an environment that doesn’t accommodate neurodivergence.
- Executive Dysfunction – Struggles with organization, motivation, time management, and task initiation.
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties – Intense emotional responses, difficulty processing emotions, and rejection sensitivity.
- Sensory Overload – Feeling overwhelmed by sounds, lights, textures, or social interactions.
These challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, especially when therapy focuses on “fixing” behaviors rather than understanding and adapting to neurodivergent needs.
How Therapy Can Help
A neurodivergent-affirming therapy approach focuses on self-acceptance, practical strategies, and unmasking in safe, supportive ways. My therapy sessions help clients to:
- Understand and embrace your neurodivergence rather than fight against it.
- Develop strategies for executive functioning—task management, focus, and motivation.
- Improve emotional regulation and manage rejection sensitivity.
- Reduce masking and cope with burnout in a way that feels safe.
- Navigate late diagnosis or self-identification without judgment.
This approach isn’t about forcing neurodivergent individuals to fit into a neurotypical world—it’s about helping them thrive as their authentic selves.
Is Therapy Right for You?
If you are:
An adult or adolescent with ADHD or Autism looking for therapy that actually understands your experience
Late-diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodivergent and need support in understanding what that means for you
Struggling with executive dysfunction, masking, burnout, or emotional regulation
Looking for a therapist who won’t try to “fix” your neurodivergence, but will help you work with it
Then neurodivergent-affirming therapy can help.
