How to Find a Genuinely Neuroaffirming Therapist

The truth is, there's no official certification that makes someone "neuroaffirming." Anyone can use the term on their website or in their online profile, which can make it difficult to know what you're actually signing up for.

Rather than focusing on the label itself, look for clues about the therapist's approach. Do they talk about understanding and working with neurodivergent people, or do they focus on helping people become more "normal", "appropriate", or "high functioning"? The language they use can tell you a lot about the values that underpin their work.

It can also be helpful to ask a few questions before booking an appointment. For example:

• How would you describe your approach to working with autistic or ADHD clients?

• How do you adapt therapy for different communication styles or sensory needs?

• How do you support clients who mask or camouflage their neurodivergence?

• What training or experience do you have working with neurodivergent people?

A good therapist won't be offended by these questions. In fact, they should welcome them. Finding the right psychologist is a bit like buying new runners - you want something that fits you and looks great! Ok, the latter is only important for shoes…

Finally, trust your instincts. Do you feel heard? Do you feel like you’re collaborating? Do you feel the therapist is curious rather than judgey? And you comfortable enough to say, "Actually, that's not how it is for me"? A genuinely neuroaffirming therapist won't expect you to fit neatly into a textbook description of autism, ADHD or other neurotypes. They'll be interested in understanding your experience. No two people are the same, including no two neurodivergent people.

At the end of the day, the word neuroaffirming isn't what matters most. What matters is whether you leave therapy feeling more understood, more accepted, and more yourself than when you walked in.