How Neurodivergent Psychology Differs

At Treat Yourself Well, being a neuro affirming psychologist for us means recognising that every brain is different — and that these differences are natural, meaningful, and worthy of respect. We want to be clear that being neuro affirming for us, does not mean we don't see the challenges. Neurodivergence isn’t something to “fix.” It’s a valid part of human diversity and an important part of a person’s identity.

 

• Neuro Affirming - neurodivergent traits and identities as valid, natural part of human diversity

• Neuro Neutral - approaches neurodivergence without judgement - neither pathologising or idealising

• Neuro Inclusive - supporting individuals to participate fully and safely by considering systems and environments and services.

 

At Treat Yourself Well, we embrace it all. Our goal is to develop a shared understanding of your brainstyle, your needs, and support you and your broader system to engage meaningfully and safely.

 

We understand that what is considered "typical” doesn’t reflect everyone’s lived experience. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurotypes often think, feel, sense and communicate differently — and those differences deserve understanding, not correction.

 

A neuro affirming psychologist works with your brain, not against it. Support is built around your needs, preferences and strengths.

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How this differs from traditional psychology

 

1. Moving from “correcting” difference to supporting difference

 

Traditional psychology followed a medical model that frames neurodivergence as a problem to be treated or modified. A neuro-neutral or neuro affirming approach just sees it as a variation.

 

Instead of asking you to “mask,” “tone down” or change who you are to fit a narrow definition of normal, we focus on helping you thrive as your authentic self. Therapy adapts to you — not the other way around.

 

2. Therapy tailored to different brain styles

 

Standard therapy models are usually built with neurotypical people in mind. For many neurodivergent clients, this can feel inaccessible, invalidating or simply ineffective.

 

A neuro affirming psychologist considers:

 

• sensory needs

• communication preferences

• energy levels

• processing styles

• the impact of past misunderstanding or trauma

 

Sessions are shaped around what helps you feel grounded, safe and understood.

 

3. An intersectional, trauma-aware and inclusive model

 

Being neuro-neutral means looking beyond challenges to recognise the unique strengths, insights and capabilities that come with neurodivergence.

 

It also means acknowledging that many neurodivergent people have experienced:

 

• chronic misunderstanding

• pressure to mask

• trauma related to exclusion or discrimination

• multiple overlapping mental health concerns

 

Support must therefore be flexible, compassionate and holistic.

 

4. Your lived experience leads the way

 

Rather than assuming what is “healthy” or “appropriate,” we centre your lived experience and perspective.

 

Neuro affirming and inclusive psychology recognises that neurotype, identity, culture, body and background all influence how someone experiences mental health. These factors aren’t treated as secondary — they are essential to understanding your wellbeing.​

 

What this looks like at Treat Yourself Well

 

• Inclusive and identity-affirming care for people of all neurotypes.

• Flexible environments and communication, shaped around your sensory and processing needs.

• Holistic support, including mental health, trauma, eating concerns, body image, identity and neurodivergence.

• Respect and dignity, ensuring your neurotype and identity are understood and valued in the therapeutic process.

 

We adapt to you — not ask you to fit a model designed for someone else.

 

Why neuro affirming / inclusive psychology matters

 

When therapy is built only around neurotypical expectations, neurodivergent people often feel misunderstood or unsupported. They may even internalise the idea that they are “wrong” or “too much.”

 

A neuro inclusive psychologist provides a different experience: one where your differences are respected, your strengths are recognised, and your needs are valid. At Treat Yourself Well, we honour your whole identity and support you in a way that allows you to live authentically, comfortably and confidently.