NEURODIVERSITY

831-273-8039

Felice Hensley
LMFT

NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING THERAPY

NEURODIVERSITY AND MENTAL HEALTH

Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy

What does it mean that I center my work around neurodiversity?

Client-centered

Non-pathologizing

Empowering

Strength-Based

Trauma-Informed

The better we understand ourselves, the closer we can get to creating a life that is congruent with our needs.

My therapeutic approach is centered around understanding individual differences in communicating, socializing, learning, sensory processing, and cognition. I am aware of how these differences might show up for neurodivergent individuals, and I utilize this to inform our work together.

Over the years, I have worked with neurodivergent individuals of all ages. Some received diagnosis early in life, some later, and many are undiagnosed and are just beginning to understand more about their brain and sensory system as a teen or adult.

This approach is centered around nurturing strengths, non-pathologizing by accepting differences and fostering self compassion around challenges. This is a collaborative process, where clients are empowered to honor their individual needs, and discover what works best (inside and outside of the therapy room).

Terminology

Neurotypical is a term that is used to describe "typical" neurological development or functioning.

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term used to describe a person whose brain operates differently than what is considered typical (this includes learning differences, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, Seizure Disorders, Down's Syndrome, other developmental diagnoses and neurological differences).

Neurodiversity is used to describe the natural diversity of the human brain and includes individuals that are neurotypical and neurodivergent.

Why is it important to be informed of neurodiversity and neurodivergence?Awareness outside of therapy can allow us to increase inclusivity at work, school, and in the community. We can bridge communication through understanding and acceptance. We can create greater equity in healthcare, mental health treatment, education, and employment (through education, advocacy, and policy).