Interacting With a Therapist that Doesn’t Accept Your Diagnosis
AuDHDers tend to interact with many mental health therapists or physical health professionals during the journey of getting diagnosed and finding support. It is possible to encounter a professional that may not be fully educated on neurodivergence. It is important to remember that you are in charge of your own journey and can self advocate the boundaries of what you would like that support to look like - even with professionals, like therapists.
A therapist has an ethical duty to remain educated and up to date on topics within their scope of practice. If you are formally or self diagnosed Autistic/ADHD, it is important that this professional take the time to support you in this identity. A therapist is working for YOU.
Identify and recognize when you are feeling unsupported by a therapist:
A therapist should be validating your emotions and helping you express yourself, but also should challenge your thought processes and provide alternative solutions
A therapist should be open to learning from their patients as well and should not be defensive or refusing topics of discussion
You should end a session feeling empowered, validated, and left with solutions to practice until the next session.
When feeling unsupported by a therapist:
Self advocate for yourself by stating what specific type of support you are looking for
Communicate the importance of utilizing specific identity labels versus generalizations about “neurodivergence”
Set boundaries on what you expect from your plan of care, including language use
Approach with curiosity and ask questions on the therapist’s experience or views:
“What experience do you have with supporting my diagnosis/diagnoses?”
“How much education or training do you have in neurodiversity affirming care?”
“Is the specific support or the approaches I am asking for outside of your speciality or scope of practice? Is referral necessary?”
Consider finding a new therapist. You are not required to stay with any provider. Remember, you are paying them to provide you a service. If the professional is not providing you a service that benefits you, you have the right to move on and find someone who will!
When picking a new therapist, take the time to interview them and express your needs up front during initial consultation to determine if they will be an appropriate match for you
Resources Mentioned:
Neurodivergent Insights - How to find a Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/resources
Contributors: Kaitlyn, Kathaniel, Nik