NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING THERAPY

Presenting not a specific set of therapeutic interventions, but an underlying philosophy recognizing individuals as experts on their own experience.

The mental health field was built on the concept of a professional expert with training treating an individual with a diagnosis. Clients who push back against this model are labeled "noncompliant" or "resistant." This model has harmed countless clients, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities. Over the years, there has been a shift in the field of psychology and mental health. Providers are learning to listen to the needs of their clientsinformed by clients' lived experiencerather than clinging to the idea that only an "expert" can know what an individual needs. Likewise, many in the field are learning to recognize the ways in which neurodivergence can be part of one's identity, and that while many have support needs, they are not "broken" or needing to be "fixed" or "cured" of their neurodivergence. This is known as the neurodiversity-affirming model of careand is what this book presents. Amy Marschall, PhD, owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides services to children and adolescents. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and telemental health. She lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.