Neurodiverse Couples Therapy & Coaching

Neurodiverse or Neurodiversity is a fairly new term that describes that people experience and process the world very differently due to neurological wiring differences. Technically, "Neurodivergent" (ND) is often associated with someone being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and it can be associated or characterized of other atypical patterns of thought or behavior. Other forms of neurodivergency are; ADHD, Tourettes & Tic Disorders, Dyslexia, Intellectual Disability, TBI, Dyscalculia, and more. Neurodivergency can be argued that it is a fairly flexible term, since we do all have "different brains" and many mental health conditions and disorders impact our brain wiring.

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However, for the means of couples therapy and coaching here, we aim to work more with individuals and couples with Autism, and ADHD. The partner who is not on the Autism Spectrum is usually considered "Neurotypical" (NT).

That is okay, and completely normal initially. It can be very daunting for some who identify as ND to come for a variety of reasons: shame, unaware of the severity of the disconnect, fear, past negative experiences, and more. Brooke works often one on one with the NT partner to gain insight and skills to show up better in the relationship and problem solve ways to allow the ND partner to feel safe coming to therapy. Often, even if just one partner does come, there has been productive & positive changes to improve relational satisfaction and decrease conflict at home. 

A couple of different factors indicate what service should be chosen. First, location. Brooke can only provide therapy to those who are in New York State. Brooke can provide coaching to those outside of New York State, and also within.

Coaching is much more "hands on," goal driven that gives quick tools, and holds accountability for each partner. It is not clinically mental health focused or a medical necessity. Coaching will touch on some components of emotions and each person's past, but it will not make therapeutic recommendations. Coaching will usually touch on a singular event or issue to gain skills and improvements. Some examples would be: budgeting, routines, communication strategies specific to parenting or socializing, ensuring date nights. 

Therapy is more process/insight oriented which discusses past histories, trauma histories, and deeper emotional needs due to clinical mental health or medical necessities. Therapy is beneficial for those who need to process and heal from past trauma, explore emotional connections and build intimacy, discuss diagnoses, accessing medical or mental health care, or understanding each other's family of origin stories/values/beliefs to improve connections. If mental health or medical necessity is indicated for a couple, therapy will need to be a priority before entering coaching.

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Brooke will always book a free initial 15 minute consultation phone call to gather some history and information to make a recommendation as to whether coaching or therapy is most appropriate. 

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If residing outside of NYS, Brooke can offer recommendations for couples therapy if needed. Sometimes, therapy and coaching can be done in conjunction if appropriate.