Is core counselling training neuro-normative? An exploration of what it’s really like to work as a neurodivergent therapist
We often focus on the benefits of neurodivergent (ND) people working with ND therapists, like connection, understanding and valuing difference, but what is it actually like to practice as an ND therapist?
By unmasking themselves, can ND counsellors facilitate better therapeutic outcomes for all clients?
Can a more authentic ND counselling style lead to a deeper alliance between ND client and ND therapist?
Our core training encourages us to follow practices which have been shown to elicit positive therapeutic outcomes. These, in the main, align with neuro-normative communication methods. There is a dearth of research exploring the impact of these practices specifically on neurodivergent clients.
A consideration of some basic counselling skills shows that one way does not necessarily benefit all clients equally:
Eye contact: Not making eye contact is typically seen as rude or avoidant. Looking around when thinking or talking, implies a lack of focus at best, and the creation of lies at worst. But when working with an ND client, not making eye contact may provide them with the permission to do the same, releasing tension and encouraging unmasking.
Keeping still: Moving around or fidgeting can be interpreted as a lack of self-control, a lack of confidence, disinterest in the other, or agitation based on some outside experience or concern. Being explicit about the need to fidget in order to better focus, may help some clients to allow themselves to do the same.
Not interrupting: Not interrupting and interjecting at the “right” time, are seen as basic and fundamental skills for counsellors. Interrupting is typically seen as a lack of respect for the other, displaying self-interest over the client’s story. A therapist’s explicit reference to their tendency to interrupt may facilitate a more natural flow between client and therapist, where both can focus on meaning rather than the mechanics of their interactions.
Self-disclosure: The neuro-normative “ask questions for more information” approach to communicating is valued over the “anecdote sharing” approach favoured by many ND people, who may prefer to show empathy by sharing related experiences. How might it be to use this approach, while always for the benefit of the client, to help them gain a deeper understanding of their world?
Lived experience accounts are demonstrating that a different view on what would be considered failures in traditional counselling may actually be beneficial for ND clients. ND therapists are learning what works best for their clients through practice, rather than through research or training. For one such example see Dr Neff’s, Neurodivergent insights on working with autistic clients. Researchers like Romy Hume (1) are beginning to address the need to challenge stereotypes about the ND client by giving them a voice.
By using their understanding, and experience, of their own ND behaviours, and by altering their methods in line with their client’s preferred way of being, ND therapists may demonstrate more authenticity and greater congruence, than if they adhere to the rules of counselling they were taught.
Image says “Spicy Spaces, delve into the detail of neurodiversity to improve your practice” with spoons containing spices underneath
Our next Spicy Spaces session explores the reality of working as a neurodivergent therapist, asking these, and other, important questions about our current practice and training.
Potential topics for discussion, to be chosen by participants, are:
Boundaries & self-disclosure, being congruent, the challenges of neurodivergent self-discovery, self-care, managing admin, getting support.
What is it really like to work as a neurodivergent therapist? How do our ways of being impact our clients? Is there a difference between that impact on neurodivergent and neurotypical clients? How do we, or might we, work differently with neurodivergent clients?
Are “rules” about sitting still, making eye contact and not interrupting actually neuro-normative? How do we reconcile how we really work with assumptions about how a therapist should behave in the therapy room? Do we need to challenge approaches to core training?
We will share what have we learned in our practice, and what we have noticed about ourselves in relationship with our clients. We will ask how can we share what we know to help others develop as much needed neurodivergent practitioners, and how we might help to raise awareness of the different approaches that neurodivergent clients may prefer.
Places are limited to enable deeper connection and sharing. Anticipated group size is 5-12. Please note we will encourage participants to have CAMERAS ON, to facilitate open and constructive discussion. We recognise some may prefer to leave them off. We are working on an approach which encourages visual connection while not treating those who do not wish to have their camera on as different. If anyone can offer a working solution to this please do pass that on. In the meantime, letting the facilitator know you prefer your camera off is helpful, either before, or at the start of the session.
1 - Hume R. Show Me the Real You: Enhanced Expression of Rogerian Conditions in Therapeutic Relationship Building with Autistic Adults. Autism Adulthood. 2022 Jun 1;4(2):151-163
