Neuro-affirming care

Neuro-Affirming Care: Embracing You Just as You Are

Let’s talk about something important: Neuro-affirming care. Neuro-affirming care moves away from traditional deficit-based models that focus on ‘fixing" or "normalising’ neurodivergent individuals. Instead, it embraces neurodiversity by acknowledging that differences in brain function are natural variations of the human experience. This approach emphasises self-acceptance, empathy, and the validation of each individual’s unique identity and experiences. Rather than being encouraged to ‘mask’ your neurodivergent traits, in neuro-affirming care, you will be supported to ‘unmask’ and live your most authentic life. By recognising that neurodivergent people don’t need to be ‘cured’ but rather supported, a therapeutic environment emerges that promotes growth, self-understanding, and positive mental health while celebrating and utilising the strengths that your neurodiversity brings to your life.

How We Provide Neuro-Affirming Care at Riverside Counselling

At Riverside Counselling, we put neuro-affirming care at the very heart of our practice. We know that each person’s experiences are unique, so we take the time to truly understand yours. Our goal is simple: to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can be yourself — whether you’re neurodivergent or just navigating the world in your own way.

We start by helping you feel seen and heard, dismantling the stigmas and stereotypes that often surround neurodivergence. You’ll never hear talk about ‘fixing’ anyone. Instead, we focus on re-framing challenges as opportunities for creative solutions, self-acceptance, and personal growth. And you’re the expert in your own life, so we make sure you’re actively involved in your care plan—whether that’s helping us set your goals or picking the therapeutic methods that work best for you.

One unique aspect of our neuro-affirming care is body-doubling, a strategy we use to help clients with tasks that may feel overwhelming. Body-doubling involves having a supportive presence nearby while the client works on an activity or task. This method can be particularly effective for neurodivergent individuals who struggle with focus, procrastination, or executive functioning challenges, such as those with ADHD. The calming presence of another person can help you to remain on task, creating accountability without the pressure of feeling monitored. It’s a subtle yet effective way of providing non-invasive support.

Traditional in-person counselling settings can often be overwhelming for neurodivergent people due to sensory sensitivities. Bright lights, unfamiliar environments, and other sensory stimuli can create discomfort and distract from the counselling process. Online counselling allows you to engage from your own space, where you have control over your sensory environment. You can choose the lighting and noise levels that work best for you, and even utilise sensory aids like weighted blankets or noise-cancelling headphones during the session. May your therapy session never be tainted by the unwanted presence of the ‘big light!’

What neuro-affirming counselling can look like

Counselling for neurodivergent people requires a flexible, individualised approach. We employ a range of approaches to support clients, depending on your unique needs:

  • Build coping skills tailored to your cognitive styles.

  • Explore tools for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal relationships, and enhancing mindfulness, all of which can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent people.

  • Learn to use body-based approaches as outlets for expression and self-regulation.

  • Strengths-based approaches: A neuro-affirming approach often involves helping clients identify and build on their strengths. This might include creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, or special interests, empowering you to navigate challenges with confidence.

  • Executive functioning coaching: For neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, executive functioning challenges can impact everyday tasks. Coaching can help you develop systems to manage time, organisation, and focus, improving day-to-day functioning.

  • Body-doubling: As part of our neuro-affirming care, body-doubling provides a non-intrusive yet supportive presence while clients work on specific tasks. This can be particularly helpful for clients who need help with focus, structure, or overcoming procrastination. The presence of another person provides a sense of shared motivation and accountability, making tasks feel more manageable.

How Counselling Can Improve the Lives of Neurodivergent People

Counselling offers neurodivergent individuals a space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgement. By providing a safe and supportive environment, counselling can help improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being.

Through therapy, clients can gain a better understanding of themselves, their neurodivergence, and the ways it impacts their lives. This increased self-awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-regulation and confidence. Counselling also provides practical tools and strategies that empower neurodivergent people to navigate challenges in their personal, academic, and professional lives more effectively.

Additionally, counselling can be a vital resource for addressing mental health concerns, which often affect neurodivergent individuals. By addressing these overlapping issues, we can support holistic well-being, helping clients thrive in all areas of life.

At Riverside Counselling, our commitment to neuro-affirming care, including innovative methods like body-doubling, ensures that neurodivergent people receive the compassionate, individualised support they need to live fulfilling lives. We are here to meet you where you are, and for who you truly are.

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