Feeling Different? How Talking Can Help Neurodivergent Folks
Sometimes, if your brain works differently – like with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia – the world can feel a bit confusing. Things that seem easy for others might be tough for you, and you might feel like you don't quite fit in. This is where counselling, or talking to someone, can really help.
Navigating life as a neurodivergent individual can be challenging, making support crucial. At Josie Ruoss Counselling in Kelowna, BC, I provide tailored counselling for neurodivergent clients of all ages. Through compassionate, evidence-based methods, we empower you with coping strategies, self-advocacy tools, and insights into your identity. I am here to help you navigate life's complexities with confidence.
Often, people with neurodiversity get told negative things about themselves. Maybe someone said they're "lazy" because of their ADHD, or "weird" because of their autism. Narrative therapy, a type of talking therapy, helps you look at these stories differently. It helps you see that these problems aren't really you, but things happening to you.
Think of it like this: if someone keeps telling you a story about yourself that you don't like, narrative therapy helps you question that story. It helps you find other stories – stories about your strengths, the times you did succeed, or the things you're really good at. The person you talk to, the counsellor, helps you explore these different stories. They'll ask questions to help you see the problem as something separate from who you are. Instead of saying "I'm bad at making friends," you might start to think about "How has it been hard to make friends?"
Counselling for neurodivergence also helps you learn practical ways to deal with things that are tricky. If loud noises bother you, you can work on ways to handle that. If you have trouble focusing, you can find strategies that work for you. The therapist doesn't just tell you what to do; they work with you to figure things out.
Talking to a therapist can also be a safe place to share your feelings. It's okay to feel frustrated, sad, or misunderstood when you're neurodivergent. A good therapist will listen and understand, and help you feel better about yourself. They can also teach you about neurodiversity so you understand yourself better.
Here are some ways therapy can help neurodivergent adults and kids:
You get to know yourself better and understand your neurodivergent brain.
You learn ways to handle things that are difficult for you.
You feel less worried or down.
You get better at talking to people and making friends.
You feel better about yourself.
Your relationships get stronger, and you feel like you belong more.
Instead of focusing on what's "wrong," counselling helps people with neurodiversity see their strengths and create their own positive stories. If you or someone you know is neurodivergent and could use some support, talking to a therapist who understands neurodiversity can make a big difference.
