You might experience differences in communication, leading to confusion about how others perceive you. You may feel deep empathy yet be uncertain if others recognize your affection. Engaging deeply in topics of interest could be a source of joy for you. You may be more sensitive to sounds or sensations in your environment than your peers. At times, you notice all of the details about a project or place but struggle to know how to organize it or how to prioritize tasks. You also may enjoy structured tasks and parallel play, struggle with changes of plans/surprises, and care deeply about the world (or have a strong sense of justice, fairness, etc). At times, you have been rewarded in school or work for some of these traits, being identified as “gifted” or a responsible worker. Other times, work focus can be a struggle and you find yourself working in spurts of high focus, followed by crashes, zoning out, or needing recovery periods.

Neurodivergence varies greatly and can express in a variety of experiences, including:

• High sensitivity (can be sensory, environmental, emotional, spiritually, relationally)

• Strong cognitive processing…can be curious, deep dive into subjects, pattern recognition, integrating various themes & topics

• May feel “heady” or “stuck in my head” and struggle to sense body or have awareness of own emotions

• Alternatively, may feel deeply but feel the complexity of an experience, struggling to put it into words

• May have been “gifted” in school

• Often times you like structure or routines, but may at times feel internal “rebellion” against these routines or be overwhelmed by them (even when self-imposed)

• Differences in focus, task switching, and modulating energy: you may hyper-focus, “zone out”, work in different rhythms than others

• Transitions or surprises/change of plans can be challenging to adjust to

• Feeling “different” and like you are speaking a different language than your peers

• Liking deep connections, struggling with small talk

• Sensitive to being rejected and may have internalized sense of shame…feeling “is there something wrong with me?”

Common experiences of Neurodivergence…your self-exploration is welcome…

There has been an increase in understanding, literature, news coverage, social movements, and research on ways of being that have traditionally been misunderstood (or not known well). With this understanding, more people have become aware of the neurodiversity inherent in all humans. Each person processes their environment, emotions, relationships, knowledge, time, and meaning differently. Nervous system differences can also impact the way we think, process, and relate. Unfortunately, the systems of school, work, socializing, and living…and even therapy spaces at times…don’t always work well for everyone. This can create challenges for those who don’t fit traditional, or “neurotypical”, ways of existing. For some this can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, rejection, self-criticism, over-performing/overcompensating, hiding their “true self” or “masking” (or not even knowing who their “true self” is), and mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, etc). It can feel as though the world wasn’t meant for you, or you aren’t valued in the world. This process can be disabling or lead to a negative internalized sense of self.

Many of our clients reach out because they feel alone, different, anxious, depressed, and want support. They may have learned about neurodivergence, been on their own solo deep dives into the topic, and found resonance with what they have learned. Neurodivergence isn’t a problem in itself, it can even be a gift, though trying to thrive in the world as a neurodivegent person can be incredibly challenging & lonely. Having neurodivergent informed support can help you better understand, accept, love, and celebrate your unique qualities. It can also help you feel more empowered navigating relationships and systems around you.

Our approach to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy…

We take a person centered & non-pathologizing approach to neurodivergence that celebrates the diversity of experience across neurobiology, personal history, and brain-body-sensory processing differences. Having a therapist that is neurodiversity/neurodivergent affirming can relieve the pressure of you needing to translate your experience…when you may not even fully understand it yourself. We work collaboratively with you to map out the way your brain and nervous system work so that you can find or create systems that are supportive to you. They can also help reflect your strengths, skills, creativity, gifts, and capitalize on these in your life. Here at True Essence Therapy, we also tailor the therapy approach to your unique way of being. We pull from a variety of modalities, including trauma-informed somatic practices, art therapy, cognitive therapies, liberatory perspectives, and parts work. We understand that having agency & choice, attuned sensitivity to misses/rejection fears, and direct open communication can help create a strong relational process for working together. Because of the stressors that many neurodivergent individuals face, we also work to untangle limiting beliefs, process stored stress/trauma impacts, and re-integrate an empowered self concept. We love seeing our neurodivergent clients thriving, loving themselves, finding friendships/relationships that are healthy for them, and transforming the way they work & live.

If you would like to explore working together, please reach out!