Neurodiversity
It can help to talk!
✓Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
✓ Mental Health Concerns
✓ Autism Spectrum Disorder
✓ Learning Differences
✓ The Risk of Under-Diagnosis
✓ Men in Therapy
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
Perhaps you were recently diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you have it, or have always been aware of it. Maybe you are looking for clarification, understanding and would like to learn new strategies. You might be looking for help with work, academics, organization, relationships, interpersonal skills, emotion management, or coping with sensory sensitivities. It could be helpful to have a conversation with someone who understands and can help put things into perspective and assist you with resources. You might also experience other issues that often go along with ADHD like anxiety, depression, sleep issues, stress, and various other vulnerabilities. You also might be a parent, spouse, or family member looking for support and strategies. It can be helpful to speak with someone to develop an understanding of ADHD and learn ways to be supportive.
Mental Health Concerns
You might be struggling with an issue like depression, anxiety, fears/phobias, compulsions, or a combination of concerns. Learning to use evidence-based techniques and coping skills can help you feel like you can manage your life. You might be working with a psychiatrist or family doctor but are also looking for ways to cope with your symptoms, manage the symptoms, or decrease the symptoms you are experiencing. Each situation is different depending on various factors, such as the intensity and onset of your concern. Psychotherapy can be helpful in lessening life issues and helping you manage stress in your life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD)
You might already have an autism diagnosis (recent or from the past) or you may suspect you have autism. Perhaps a loved one has suggested you may have autism and suggested finding a therapist or coach who is experienced in autism. You may be looking for ways to deal with changes and transitions, manage personal or professional relationships, develop new relationships, work on communication or social skills, or develop a schedule/organizational skills. Sometimes family members or spouses of people with autism might be looking for ways to learn communication strategies, deepen their connection, and develop an understanding of their loved one. I provide counselling and coaching specifically for people with autism or who believe they have autism, or their loved ones. Speaking to someone who understands can be a great way to learn and grow.
Learning Difficulties / Differences
There are various types of learning difficulties or differences that can impact your oral language, reading, written language, mathematics, organizational skills, and social perception. It can make learning and work environments challenging. Learning difficulties can co-exist with ADHD, autism, giftedness, sensory or medical conditions, or anxiety/depression. You might find it beneficial to learn self-advocacy skills, compensatory strategies, strategies to cope with frustration/stress, or manage anxiety/depression, as well as develop other counselling goals as needed.
The Risk of Under - Diagnosis
There are many people who are at risk of being under-diagnosed and women are among this group. Specifically, when it comes to ASD and ADHD, women are often under diagnosed. In my practice I often notice women being either diagnosed late or completely missed all together, by both the school systems and healthcare and mental health services. It is not until they, themselves have the self-awareness and recognition (often in post-secondary or employment settings) that they are struggling. I truly respect and honour these women (and men) who seek out services and self-advocate for a diagnosis later in life. Unfortunately, they sometimes do not see the courage it requires to take these steps, but I am in awe of them. Taking the steps it requires to take charge of one's life and own happiness is something to be respected and valued.
Men in Therapy
I work with many men in my practice. Men are believed to be far less likely to seek help than women but I believe that is changing. We socialize men to avoid their emotions and this certainly has an impact in how they understand their own, and other people's feelings. Understandably, this has a negative impact on men's relationships. The role of men in society has shifted significantly in recent years. The example their father's generation provided for them no longer fits as a framework. Men struggle to make sense of the messages they grew up with, integrate them with today's world, yet struggle to process emotions and manage relationships. If they have ASD, ADHD, or mental health issues in addition to these social factors, it can make it that much more complex. It helps to view men from a holistic lense, including all of the various factors that may influence their life.