You are Beautifully Unique
Affirming, specialized therapy for neurodivergent individuals.
What is Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy?
Neurodivergent-affirming therapy is a specialized approach that recognizes and embraces neurological differences as natural variations of human diversity, not disorders to be "fixed."
This therapy focuses on helping neurodivergent individuals understand themselves, develop coping strategies, and thrive in a neurotypical world while honoring their authentic selves.
Our neurodivergent-affirming therapy addresses:
✔ Late-in-life ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent diagnoses
✔ Masking and camouflaging behaviors
✔ Executive functioning challenges
✔ Sensory processing differences
✔ Social communication and relationship difficulties
✔ Workplace accommodations and career development
✔ Self-advocacy and boundary setting
✔ Processing internalized ableism and shame
OUR APPROACH TO NEURODIVERGENT-AFFIRMING THERAPY
Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
At Be Seen Therapy, we utilize proven therapeutic approaches adapted for neurodivergent minds:
Neurodiversity-Affirming Framework
views neurological differences as natural variations, not deficits, and focuses on accommodation and adaptation rather than "normalization." This approach celebrates your unique strengths and perspectives while addressing societal barriers rather than trying to change who you are.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
helps clarify your personal values and goals while reducing struggle against neurodivergent traits. This approach promotes psychological flexibility and self-compassion, encouraging you to work with your brain rather than against it.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
is adapted for neurodivergent clients to address masking trauma, late diagnosis grief, and internalized shame. This approach helps heal negative self-beliefs while honoring your unique processing style and sensory needs.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
provide emotion regulation techniques for intense feelings, distress tolerance for overwhelming situations, and interpersonal effectiveness for social challenges. These concrete skills are particularly helpful for managing sensory overwhelm and emotional dysregulation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Modified
is specifically adapted to work with neurodivergent thinking patterns, focusing on practical skills and concrete strategies. This approach addresses anxiety and depression common in neurodivergent adults while respecting your unique cognitive style.
Somatic Therapy
addresses how masking and sensory differences are held in your body, helping you develop greater body awareness and nervous system regulation. This approach is particularly valuable for managing sensory overwhelm and burnout recovery.
Narrative Therapy
helps you examine and rewrite the deficit-based stories you may have internalized about being neurodivergent, empowering you to embrace your authentic identity and celebrate your unique strengths and perspectives.
Benefits of Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
Self-Understanding & Acceptance
✔ Deeper Self-Awareness of your neurodivergent traits and needs develops through exploration of your unique neurological wiring.
✔ Reduced Shame and internalized ableism occurs as you learn to view your differences as variations rather than deficits.
✔ Increased Self-Compassion grows as you develop a kinder relationship with yourself and your neurodivergent experiences.
✔ Understanding of Your Unique Strengths emerges as you recognize the gifts that come with your neurological differences.
Practical Life Skills
✔ Improved Executive Functioning strategies are developed that work with your brain rather than against it, making daily tasks more manageable.
✔ Better Emotional Regulation techniques help you navigate intense emotions and sensory experiences more effectively.
✔ Enhanced Social Communication skills are built while honoring your authentic communication style.
✔ Effective Sensory Management strategies help you create environments and routines that support your sensory needs.
Long-Term Well-Being
✔ Reduced Anxiety and Depression related to neurodivergent struggles often occurs as you develop better self-understanding and coping strategies.
✔ Healing from Masking Trauma allows you to live more authentically without exhausting yourself through constant camouflaging.
✔ Increased Life Satisfaction results from living in alignment with your authentic neurodivergent self rather than trying to fit neurotypical expectations.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM NEURODIVERGENT-AFFIRMING THERAPY
Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy can help if you're experiencing:
Adults with Recent Diagnoses
Late-diagnosed ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions
Processing grief and relief of a late diagnosis
Learning about neurodivergent identity and community
Reframing life experiences through a neurodivergent lens
Self-Diagnosed or Questioning Individuals
Exploring possible neurodivergent traits and identity
Seeking validation and understanding of experiences
Deciding whether to pursue a formal diagnosis
Finding community and support regardless of diagnostic status
Specific Neurodivergent Experiences
ADHD: Executive function challenges, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity
Autism: Social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, special interests
Multiple neurodivergences: Complex presentations requiring individualized approaches
High-masking individuals: Exhaustion from camouflaging, identity confusion
Long-Diagnosed Individuals Seeking Growth
Moving beyond a deficit-based understanding of neurodivergence
Developing more effective coping strategies
Processing past trauma related to neurodivergent experiences
Embracing neurodivergent identity and pride
Life Areas Affected by Neurodivergence
Workplace challenges and accommodation needs
Relationship difficulties and social struggles
Parenting as a neurodivergent adult
Academic or professional burnout
Sensory overwhelm and environmental challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Many neurodivergent individuals find tremendous benefit from affirming therapy regardless of diagnostic status. Self-understanding and support are valuable with or without a formal diagnosis.
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While we don't provide formal neuropsychological evaluations, we can help you explore your experiences, provide psychoeducation about neurodivergence, and connect you with diagnostic resources if desired.
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Absolutely not. Neurodivergent-affirming therapy is about understanding your brain's unique wiring to develop more effective strategies. It's about working with your brain, not against it.
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Unmasking is a gradual, supported process. We'll help you safely explore your authentic self while maintaining necessary accommodations for work or social situations.
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Yes! We can help you understand your accommodation needs and develop self-advocacy skills. For formal accommodation documentation, we typically refer clients to a psychiatrist, your primary care physician, or your campus disability services office, as they are better equipped to provide the specific documentation required for workplace or educational accommodations.
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Yes! We understand how neurodivergence affects relationships and can work with couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent, as well as provide guidance for families.
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Many neurodivergent individuals experience anxiety, depression, or trauma. We address these conditions while understanding how they intersect with neurodivergent experiences.
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Traditional therapy often pathologizes neurodivergent traits and tries to make individuals more "normal." Our approach celebrates neurodivergent differences while providing practical support for real-world challenges.
HEALING BEGINS WITH FEELING TRULY SEEN