Neurodiversity affirmative therapy celebrates diversity and the value that unique neurotypes bring to our social collective experiences and endeavors. No two brains are alike and there is no such thing as a “normal” brain. Neurodivergence encompasses a vast group of individuals, including and not limited those identifying with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Issues, OCD, and Tourette Syndrome. Many other people with different labels may also identify as neurodivergent. You are in charge of your identity and how you want these identities worded.

We respect and support you wherever you are at in your individual processes.

Neurodiversity affirmative therapy directly recognizes the impact of the legacy of oppression experienced by people who think, move, process, communicate, and socialize differently, and/or who have challenges with care tasks that come easily to others. It recognizes the social model of disability, and that building an inclusive society is a possibility that is still far off for many of us. It assumes intersectionality, acknowledging that there are many identities that make up who you are. At mindfulSF, we believe that as a person who thinks, moves, processes, communicates, and socializes differently, and/or who has challenges with daily care tasks, you deserve equal respect and access to affirming care.

As Neurodiversity affirmative therapists we are committed to the following:

• Not making assumptions about your unique identity, experience, process, or relationships.

• Accepting and accommodating how you like to move in session, your communication style, and how you like to socialize. 

• Letting you take the lead in designing your goals, especially around relationships and daily care tasks.

• Being informed about co-occurring conditions and how to help with these conditions.

• Advocating for the rights of neurodivergent people.

• Engaging in ongoing exploration into our own identities, biases, and assumptions.

• Educating ourselves on neurodiversity issues from experts who identify as neurodivergent.

• Recognizing the impacts of discrimination and social oppression, as well as how they intersect with other mental health concerns and life domains.

Our goal is to help you live your life fully. Some areas that we assist neurodivergent individuals with include connecting to neurodivergent and affirming communities and content, pursuing and sustaining meaningful relationships, identifying strategies for living authentically, and learning ways to integrate mindfulness, self-compassion and other self-care activities into daily living.