PSYCHOTHERAPY
NDIVS Research and Education seeks to include information and research from many disciplines, thereby accelerating the understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence worldwide.
IN THIS SECTION
PSYCHOTHERAPY AND NEURODIVERGENCE
Featured Article by Themistoklis Pantazakos
Department of Psychology, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
Dr. Themistoklis Pantazakos
This critical review examines the connections between the neurodiversity paradigm and psychotherapy for autistic individuals. Clinical data indicates that autistic people face a deep and multifaceted mental health crisis, which neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy is ideally posed to address. Nonetheless, there are substantial challenges for tailoring psychotherapeutic schemes to autistic clients. The importance of phenomenological psychology in overcoming these challenges is highlighted, and a related proposal is briefly developed. … Unfortunately, research into the effectiveness of psychotherapy for the autistic population remains very sparse. The most well-studied approach is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with meta-analytic evidence suggesting that CBT is effective for treating autistic anxiety (Lang et al., 2010) and that, though the evidence is more limited, the same may be true for depression (Pezzimenti et al., 2019). Despite this, CBT practitioners often admit limited confidence in applying their skills with autistic clients, with the literature including ample calls to systematically tailor CBT to autism (Sze & Wood, 2008). In contrast, psychodynamic psychotherapy (PT) studies pertinent to autism are mostly conceptual (Drucker, 2009). Continue Reading
Article Info
Neurodiversity and psychotherapy—Connections and ways forward
in Couns Psychother Res. 2023;00:1–7. DOI: 10.1002/capr.12675
Themistoklis Pantazakos
Department of Psychology, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
PSYCHOTHERAPY OPTIONS
FOR ASD AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS CONCURRENT WITH NEURODIVERGENCE
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy (NAT)
An empathetic approach that recognizes the diversity of the human brain and tailors interventions to individual needs (NDIVS/ai).
Neurodiversity affirming therapy is inherently person-centered, focusing on the individual’s experiences, strengths, and goals. Rather than viewing neurodivergent traits as obstacles, this approach identifies and builds upon the person’s inherent strengths. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to understand their neurodivergent experiences and develop coping strategies that align with their unique strengths (BetterFamilyTherapy.com).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
One of the therapeutic approaches we find particularly beneficial for our neurodivergent clients is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This form of mindfulness-based therapy teaches individuals to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively, reducing their impact and influence. ACT can help neurodivergent individuals live in accordance with their values and apply mindfulness and acceptance skills to their responses to uncontrollable experiences. It’s not about avoiding or suppressing difficult feelings, but learning to accept them and move forward in a positive way (ResilientMindCounseling.com).
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A therapeutic approach that integrates principles of neurodiversity to help with mindfulness, managing emotions, and handling distress (NDIVS/ai).
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning (Autism Speaks).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A therapeutic approach that uses positive reinforcement to help people develop adaptive skills and manage challenges (NDIVS/ai).
Recommended Book for Treatment Providers
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder [by Valerie L. Gaus, second edition 2019, published by Guilford Press]. Now revised and expanded, this is the leading resource for psychotherapists working with adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without significant cognitive and language impairments (also known as Asperger syndrome). Valerie L. Gaus shows how to adapt the proven techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to build clients’ social and coping skills, facilitate self-acceptance, and treat comorbid anxiety and depression. Illustrated with detailed case examples, the book is grounded in cutting-edge knowledge about information-processing differences in ASD. It gives clinicians critical guidance for conceptualizing these clients’ presenting problems and optimizing the effectiveness of interventions. Reproducible worksheets can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2″ x 11″ size. First edition title: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome.
Review “The second edition of this classic book will be invaluable to clinicians working with adults on the spectrum. It provides a treasure trove of materials to learn from and use in clinical practice. Gaus does a truly fantastic job of integrating research with a patient-centered approach to skill building. The new coverage of ‘third-wave’ CBT approaches is extremely helpful.”–Fred R. Volkmar, MD, Irving B. Harris Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PT)
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior (NIH).
Recommended Book for Treatment Providers
The Neuropsychodynamic Treatment of Self-Deficits [by Joseph Palombo, first published 2017 by Routledge] examines from a psychoanalytic perspective the problems that confront patients with neuropsychological impairments, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and executive function disorder. It explores the latest advances in understanding while also addressing concerns that clinicians may have in providing treatment. These patients can often feel shame and humiliation. They develop defenses as a result of their disorders that can then become overgeneralized and lead to future dysfunctional feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. For therapists, the challenge is to find ways of responding to these patients and to help them deal with their issues at the level of the multiple domains of self-experience, rather than at the single level of their intrapsychic dynamics. This book proposes a new neuropsychodynamic perspective that is bound together by a metatheory, deriving from dynamic systems theory. Joseph Palombo breaks new ground in his consistent application of nonlinear dynamic systems theory and a levels-of-analysis perspective. The framework brings together elements of a relational perspective as well as concepts from self psychology. A central thesis of this work is that when patients experience such disruptions in their lives, they feel impelled to seek others who can provide them with the psychological functions to complement those that they are missing. When those efforts are successful, their problems recede to the background. However, if the efforts fail, then a cascade of sequelae ensues, which is when some of them apply for therapy. The framework suggested conceives of the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort in which each member of the dyad makes a unique contribution to the process. Change agents that permit patients to benefit from therapeutic interventions include the relationship between patient and therapist, the understanding that emerges from the identification of self-deficits, and the proactive engagement of the patient’s sense of agency. The great advantage of Palombo’s framework is that it permits the integration of a broad set of domains of experience that include the neuropsychological, the introspective, and the interpersonal. This book will allow the reader to become familiar with the types of patients that have neuropsychological deficits, providing an understanding of the psychodynamics of these conditions and enabling better preparedness to address psychological needs. More important, Palombo also makes the underlying case that an understanding of brain function is critical to any assistance such patients may need.
OTHER INDIVIDUAL TREATMENTS
FOR ASD AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS OR BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES CONCURRENT WITH NEURODIVERGENCE
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy can be a beneficial form of therapy for those with neurodiverse needs. Speech therapy can help individuals develop their communication skills and build their confidence in social situations. It can also help individuals improve their expressive language, understand new concepts, and learn to read and write. Additionally, speech therapy can help individuals develop strategies for managing their symptoms and challenges (PerspectivesHolisticTherapy.com).
Coaching
Neurodiverging coaching is an online, sliding scale practice of certified, neurodivergent coaches. [They] support a worldwide, diverse clientele with issues related to neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, executive functioning, and more for adults and families. (Neurodiverging.com).
Recommended Book for Treatment Providers
Neurodiversity Coaching [by Nancy Doyle and Almuth McDowell, first published 2023 by Routledge] demystifies the themes and assumptions affecting neurodivergent coachee experiences at work, whilst at the same time exploring the necessary safeguards required for working with this vulnerable group. The book supports existing coaching practitioners, managers and community leaders to understand the essentials of neurodivergence, a term which encompasses ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette Syndrome, and how these diagnoses require specific coaching approaches to support individuals to thrive at work. This book is practically focused on the “how”, sharing coaching exercises and activities that have been evaluated and researched by authors with extensive experience in the field. Grounded in coaching psychology theory, those with existing knowledge will be able to transfer their skill set to the neurodiversity context and those who are considering learning more about coaching can be signposted to essential knowledge and skills. Neurodiversity Coaching will be suitable for independent coaching practitioners and internal organisational coaches and managers seeking a coaching approach.
Review “Doyle and McDowall bring together the science of neurodiversity with practice of coaching, and offer readers a deep dive into how practitioners can better understand and work with clients. An essential read which celebrates on every page the million petalled flower of human variety.”–Lyric Rivera, NeuroDivergent Rebel, Educator, Coach & Best Selling Author
COUPLE THERAPIES
Featured Article by Bev Winn
Cardiff University | CU · Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology
Dr. Bev Winn
Over the last decade, there has been a growing attempt to broaden and advance our understanding of the role of conflict management in couple relationships. A number of studies, for example, have considered how relationship conflict acts as a risk factor for the onset of psychological conditions (Fincham and Beach, 2010; Whisman, 2007). Yet we still know very little about how particular psychological features affect couple relationships and conflict management. This is particularly relevant for those who have social-communication challenges, as communication is an important element of relationship functioning for most couples, and is crucial in managing conflict and resolution (Gabb and Fink, 2015; Gottman, 2012; Fincham and Beach, 2010). Many individuals on the autism spectrum form and maintain intimate and long-term relationships with partners. A review by Howlin and Moss (2012) noted that across eleven independent studies an average of 14% of participants on the autism spectrum were classed as in a long-term intimate relationship while Lau and Petersen (2011) reported that 40% of parents of children on the autism spectrum in their study disclosed a diagnosis on the autism spectrum for themselves or their partner. Although practitioners may wish to offer support that is tailored to the relationship needs of these couples, there has been surprisingly little scientific research on how individuals on the autism spectrum and their partners experience their relationships and how they express interpersonal conflict, and attempt to negotiate and resolve such conflict. The current research therefore provided the first exploratory study of the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and their partners and their strategies for conflict management. Continue Reading
Article Info
Conflict management in couple relationships: The experiences of individuals with Asperger syndrome and their partners
in Good Autism Practice 2016. 17(2) , pp. 72-80. https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/92987/
Beverley Winn et al.
Cardiff University
FAMILY THERAPIES
FOR FAMILY ISSUES CONCURRENT WITH NEURODIVERGENCE
Coming soon