19 Safe Therapy for Neurodivergent People with Danielle Aubin
Oct 13, 2023
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Danielle Aubin, an AuDHD therapist with expertise in trauma, discusses the importance of safe therapy for neurodivergent individuals. They explore topics such as trauma in ND clients, challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals with therapists, and navigating therapy as a neurodivergent person.
Therapy for neurodivergent individuals should prioritize creating a safe and supportive space where individuals can feel heard, validated, and understood.
Neurodivergent individuals, including autistic individuals, are at a higher risk for experiencing trauma due to intersecting identities and the lack of accommodation and understanding in society.
Finding a suitable therapist who understands and respects the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals can be challenging.
Deep dives
The importance of safe therapy and group support for neurodivergent individuals
Therapy for neurodivergent individuals should prioritize creating a safe and supportive space where individuals can feel heard, validated, and understood. Group therapy can be particularly beneficial as it allows individuals to connect with others who have similar experiences and challenges, providing a sense of belonging and validation. Safe therapy should prioritize consent, go at a manageable pace, and allow individuals to process trauma and emotions in a way that feels safe for them.
The impact of trauma on neurodivergent individuals
Neurodivergent individuals, including autistic individuals, are at a higher risk for experiencing trauma due to intersecting identities and the lack of accommodation and understanding in society. Trauma-informed therapy is crucial in recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma on the lives of neurodivergent individuals. It is important to create a safe environment where individuals can explore and heal from their trauma, aligning therapy goals with the individual's needs and providing the necessary support for their healing journey.
The challenges of finding suitable therapists for neurodivergent individuals
Finding a suitable therapist who understands and respects the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals can be challenging. Many neurodivergent individuals have had negative experiences with therapists who were dismissive, invalidating, or lacked knowledge about their specific needs. It is crucial to find therapists who are knowledgeable about neurodivergence and provide a safe and validating space for individuals to explore their experiences and work on their healing.
The complexities of navigating therapy within a flawed system
Therapy is often influenced by external factors, such as insurance requirements and a focus on measurable outcomes. This can pose challenges for neurodivergent individuals as their experiences cannot always be easily measured or resolved. It is important to recognize that healing and growth may not fit neatly into predetermined metrics. Therapists should prioritize creating safe spaces for their clients, allowing for personalized healing journeys that acknowledge the complexities of trauma and individual experiences.
The value of community and peer support for neurodivergent individuals
For neurodivergent individuals, finding community and peer support can be crucial for healing and personal growth. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide a sense of validation, understanding, and belonging. Online spaces and groups specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals can be invaluable in building connections and finding support. Community can offer the opportunity to learn from others, share insights, and challenge societal expectations and norms.
An AuDHD therapist! Danielle Aubin (she/they), LCSW, works with neurodivergent clients and has expertise in trauma.
We talk about why trauma is such a big deal for ND clients. And the title of the episode comes from their amazing take on why having safe therapy is especially important for ND people, and what that looks like.
If you're in therapy or considering it, this episode is for you! (Also if you've experienced trauma from therapy, because this conversation totally validates that also.)
Episode originally posted on The Longer Road podcast, June 2023
