You may have seen the phrase ‘neurodiversity-affirming practice’ and wondered what it means. ‘Neurodiversity’ is the word we use to describe the natural variation in human brains, whereas ‘neurodivergence’ refers to individuals who have brains that diverge from ‘neurotypical’ brains. You may have seen people use the word ‘neurodivergence’ to mean autism and ADHD, but in fact, you can use the word to describe any differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, bipolar, schizophrenia, down syndrome, and others. In the context of therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming practice focuses on working with these differences held in mind rather than viewing them as disorders that need to be ‘fixed’.
At The Neuro Nurture Collective, we are proud to offer telehealth psychologist services in Australia that are grounded in and adhere to neurodiversity-affirming practice. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where you feel heard, seen, and supported. We approach every person with respect, understanding, and a focus on their unique background.
What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy Look Like?
A neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy shifts the focus from ‘curing’ or ‘changing’ neurodivergent traits to supporting people to live authentically. This means acknowledging that the challenges faced by neurodivergent people are often a result of ableism, societal misunderstandings such as the double empathy problem, lack of accommodations, or the cognitive energy and effort required to mask, rather than inherent flaws. The psychologist tailors their approach to support each person’s unique needs, helping them navigate life's challenges while honouring their neurological identity.
In our telehealth psychology sessions, we use evidence-based techniques designed to support neurodivergent people. This might involve strategies for managing sensory sensitivities, learning about masking, building executive functioning skills, or understanding and managing social communication and relationships. Most importantly, it’s about building trust and a collaborative therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, valued, and supported every step of the way.
Why Choose a Telehealth Psychologist in Australia?
Telehealth therapy makes it easier to get support from the comfort of your home, and it also means you can find psychologists who specifically use a neurodiversity affirming approach. Whether you live in a rural area or a busy city, telehealth means we can offer flexible and convenient therapy options. We especially love how you don’t need to worry about travel time and can have your pets in your session!
The Benefits of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Parents and Caregivers
Neurodivergent children and adults both face challenges in navigating environments that are not designed for their neurotype. For parents and caregivers, a neurodiversity-affirming psychologist can provide guidance on how to support their loved ones in a way that fosters self-esteem and growth. By learning about and using neurodiversity-affirming strategies in everyday life, families can help create an environment where everyone feels understood and appreciated for who they are.
At The Neuro Nurture Collective, we are dedicated to providing neurodiversity-affirming therapy that supports the well-being of every neurotype. Our team of psychologists is dedicated to helping you to feel well, develop self-advocacy skills, and understand and embrace your neurodivergence with pride.
How to find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Telehealth Psychologist
If you or someone you know is seeking a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy, we welcome you to get in touch with us. Our telehealth psychology services are available across Australia, and we are here to help you navigate your journey with understanding and support. We support people with Mental Healthcare Plans, Self-Funded NDIS, and privately paid sessions. Please feel free to send us an email (admin@theneuronurturecollective.com), or book a session.