Amélie Rossignol, RTC
Neurodivergence is a complex concept with so many facets. Do you identify as neurodivergent?
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Have you been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition such as (but not limited to) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, dyslexia, or dyscalculia?
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Do you wonder if you fall into a neurodivergent category?
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Do you struggle with your feelings about your differences?
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Do you wonder about masking, and whether you're exaggerating or hiding your struggles?
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Do you feel like you react differently to the world?
Are you looking for support for your Neurodivergent journey?
Neurodivergent is a term for people whose brains work differently. These people may have strengths and challenges that others do not have. These differences may be described by neurological disorders, learning disabilities or other conditions, or may not be offiicially labelled in any way. Neurodiversity is a term that acknowledges that every individual's nervous system is unique. At Inner Haven Counselling, we celebrate neurodiversity and acknowledge both officially diagnosed and self-diagnosed neurodivergence. Also, we acknowledge that the purpose of counselling is not to change a neurodivergent person or force them to fit into neurotypical standards, but to allow them to recognize their own personal strengths and challenges, and to help them meet their own goals within the context of their own needs and abilities.
Common Challenges of Neurodivergent People
Living with a Nervous System that Doesn't Follow "The Rules"
There are so many different types of neurodivergence and the types of challenges neurodivergent people face are equally diverse. Sometimes these challenges can be grouped in such a way as to warrant a diagnosis, such as ASD or ADHD. These are just some of the challenges that some neurodivergent individuals experience.
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Low self-esteem - Not fitting can be hard. Whether your differences are obvious to the world or internalized, you may wonder why everything seems to be different for you, and you may have learned to blame yourself.
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Anxiety and depression - Neurodivergence often comes with a very sensitive nervous system which can lead to strong reactions to the world. This may exhibit as anxiety with frequent fear, tension and worry, and/or depression with lack of motivation and muted emotion.
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Daily Life Challenges - Society has a lot of expectations for people and neurodivergence can make daily living within these expectations a big problem. Some neurodivergent people have trouble obtaining or keeping employment, and some even struggle with basic tasks at home.
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Relationship difficulties - It may be hard to maintain healthy relationships when you haven't been taught to recognize your own needs and limitations. Sometimes, it is difficult for neurodivergent people to connect with others because of unrecognized rules and expectations.
It can be difficult to acknowledge and recognize one's challenges when you don't have conscious knowledge of your own nervous system and abilities. And of course, you can also celebrate your differences, since the world would be a far less beautiful place without all of our diversity.
Counselling and the Neurodivergent Person
Affirming, Supportive and Individualized Counselling
The world can be a challenging place for anyone, let alone neurodivergent people whose differences can often put them at odds with what is considered "normal." While some challenges of specific neurodivergent conditions are best addressed with professionals like family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists or other types of therapists, exploring the emotional aspects of your experience can also be very helpful, soothing, and healing.
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As a therapeutic counsellor, Amélie does not make diagnoses of any kind, however, she may help you explore what neurodivergent traits you experience, and can help you seek an appropriate diagnosis, if desired. Amélie has knowledge and direct experience with mulltiple neurodivergent conditions including ASD, ASD with PDA profiles, and ADHD.
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Much traditional therapy for neurodivergence has focused on changing the person so they fit into neurotypical standars. This is not how we work! At Inner Haven Counselling, we will work with you to find out what kind of therapy works best for you, so that you can create the change you desire without feeling like you need to be "fixed." Amélie's safe, supportive, and authentic approach is ideal to help you in your neurodivergent journey.
Book a free 20-minute consultation session to start your journey toward wellness!