Neuroaffirming Therapy for your Child’s Unique Nervous System
Neurodivergent people have unique, amazing strengths. They also have a unique nervous system, one that was not necessarily designed for living in a neurotypical world.
Unfortunately, this mismatch between neurodivergent brain and neurotypical environment can result in challenges such as burnout and shame, and prevent neurodivergent people from living authentically.
Nervous-System-First Therapy addresses this challenge with validation of unique needs and compassion for a unique nervous system.
— Anxiety
— Emotional Regulation
— Expressing Thoughts & Feelings
— Low Self-Esteem
— Navigating Social Situations & Friendships
— Not Feeling Accepted and/or Valued
— Overwhelm
— Panic
— People Pleasing
— Rejection Sensitivity
— Sensory Overload
If you have a child or teen that is struggling with:
You have two choices.
Compliance-based “therapies” that try to “fix” your child’s behaviors but create shame and anxiety, while failing to address the root causes of your child’s distress.
One
Evidenced-based, neuroaffirming practices based on the latest research in Neuroscience which create safety for your child or teen so they can:
Two
Boost their Self-Esteem
Explore their Identity
Further Develop Special Interests
Increase connection with Others
Learn to Self Regulate
Manage Anxiety
Self-Advocate
— Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
— Attachment-Based Therapy
— Child-Centered Play Therapy
— Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
— Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
— Internal Family Systems Model (IFS)
— Mindfulness-Based Practices
— Narrative Therapy
— Somatic, Nervous System Support
— Strengths-Based Strategies
Our Approaches Include
What Makes the Neurodiversity Circle Different?
Mental health services for neurodivergent people, particularly children, were traditionally aimed at helping them assimilate, or “fit in” in a neurotypical world. These interventions were based on the study of behaviorism in animals and we now know they are inhumane. Forcing children to essentially be less neurodivergent leads to chronic stress, dysregulation and shame. Unfortunately, these interventions, frequently referred to as Behavior Therapy, are still regularly used.
At The Neurodiversity Circle, our focus is on creating a space where children and teens feel safe to be their authentic selves. When difficulties arise, we examine the child’s stress response—the state of their nervous system— to discover how best to relieve their distress and increase their sense of connection with their loved ones. By doing this, we see “unwanted behaviors” disappear, relationships strengthen, and confidence skyrocket.
Building awareness of body sensations
Increasing emotional vocabulary
Recognizing communication needs and wants
This Nervous-System-First process may include:
Utilizing individual clients’ special interests
Identifying individual tools for regulation
Supporting sensory needs based on each child’s sensory profile
Managing anxiety or other challenges that may result from a neurodivergent brain