Neurodiversity Affirming Psychologist
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the idea that everyone’s brain is wired differently. What were previously seen as developmental disorders (such as Autism and ADHD), are now being understood as normal variations in the human brain – focusing on what’s different, not what’s dysfunctional.
There is nothing inherently wrong with having a neurodivergent brain. In fact, some of the biggest contributions to art, science and culture have come from neurodivergent people. (https://casscounselling.co.uk/famous-neurodiverse-individuals/)
Being neurodiverse is not a problem to be fixed. However, having a neurodivergent brain and living in a neurotypical world can lead to all sorts of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues.
As a neurodivergent person myself, I understand what it’s like to get burnt out from living in a world that just doesn’t get you.
RMV Psychology is proud to be a neurodiversity affirming practice, underpinned by the following values:
- Founded by a neurodivergent person (Ryan Montoya-Val), and actively seek out neurodiverse people to work with us.
- Understanding the needs of neurodivergent people from their perspective
- Adapting the therapeutic environment to meet needs that neurodiverse people may have.
- Understanding and respecting neurodivergent communication styles
- Providing therapies that support neurodivergent people to live their best lives, instead of trying to “make them more normal”
- Taking a strengths-based, not deficits-based approach.
