SERVICES

Anxiety:

Recent research has shown that there are higher rates of anxiety amongst the autistic population (Stark et al, 2021, p.11). At Reflective Insights I help individuals explore the underlying causes of anxiety. I help my clients develop tools to manage anxiety and stress, using a neuro-affirmative approach.

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Autistic burnout:

Burnout is a chronic stress condition that severely impedes an autistic person’s ability to function in everyday life (Deweerdt, 2020). When an autistic individual reaches burnout, they feel physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted and they lose certain skills.

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Bereavement/Loss/Separation/Divorce/chronic illness or injury:

At reflective Insights I provide a safe, compassionate space, were clients, can explore and process bereavement and loss.

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Bullying/ stigma/discrimination/trauma and internalised ableism​:

I help clients explore what it is like to be part of a minority neurotype, navigating a neurotypical world with its unspoken norms and social rules. I help clients explore, the bullying, stigma, discrimination, and exclusion they may have encountered as part of a minority group (minority stress model).

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Camouflaging/Masking:

Many clients camouflage or mask aspects of their autistic identity. They do so in order to fit in with a neurotypical society, to avoid bullying, stigma, and discrimination. Current research has indicated that long term camouflaging/masking can have a detrimental effect on an autistic person’s long term mental health.

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Depression:

Recent research indicates that there are much higher rates of depression within the autistic community compared to the neurotypical population (Stark et al, 2021, p.11). At Reflective Insights, the symptoms of depression can be explored compassionately, using a neuro-affirmative lens.

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Double empathy problem:

This term refers to the ways in which neurodiverse and neurotypical people communicate very well with their neurokin. However neurodivergent and neurotypical people frequently misunderstand and misinterpret each other’s communication styles.

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Intersectionality:

I explore the ways in which a client may have multiple identities which intersect. A client for example, may be queer, female, autistic, Irish, working class. I explore how these identities shape the client’s experiences of life.

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Imposter syndrome:

Many adults who are diagnosed with autism later in life report feeling like an imposter. Outdated stereotypical ideas/assumptions in relation to autism, may lead a person to not feel autistic enough, this can be explored in therapy.

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Low self-confidence/self-esteem:

In therapy, I work with clients to build self-compassion/self-acceptance. This is an important part of developing a positive autistic identity.

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Menopause:

I explore with autistic clients the additional challenges they face during this transition. Recent research has indicated that many autistic individuals report heightened sensory sensitivities, heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, brain fog, memory loss, challenges with planning/organising tasks, rumination, and repetitive thoughts during this time.

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Meltdowns & shutdowns:

When an autistic individual becomes completely overwhelmed by sensory/emotional stimuli, their nervous system may respond by going into meltdown or shutdown mode (fight/flight/freeze response) (Stark et al, 2021).

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Relaxation Techniques:

I work with clients to help identify/navigate/accept difficult emotional states/body sensations, and I provide clients with psychoeducation and relaxation techniques in relation to this.

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Special Interests:

I explore autistic clients’ special interests (SPINS), passions, skills, values, strengths, challenges, and goals.

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Support to autistic individuals:

I offer support to autistic individuals who are currently going through (or have gone through) the diagnostic process. It is important to note, that I am a psychotherapist and do not diagnose clients, but I do offer exploration of autistic identity through talking therapy. When supporting autistic individuals I use a neuro-affirming approach, that respects the autistic person’s communication style, sensory needs and fosters a positive autistic identity.

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Support to family members:

I offer support to parents/guardians of autistic children using a neuro-affirming approach. An approach that respects autistic communication styles, sensory needs and fosters a positive autistic identity.

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Reference List:

1. Garret, C. (2021). “There is beauty in diversity in all areas of life including neurological diversity” (Bella): A mixed method study into how new thoughts on neurodiversity are influencing psychotherapists’ practice.  Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature 2022.

2. O’Neill (2020). What I (don’t) know about Autism. London: Nick Hern Books.

3. Singer J. (2017). Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea, Self-published, Amazon.