WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is also known as talking therapy. As stated earlier, being Autistic is a neurotype, not a mental health condition. Unfortunately, however, because neurodiverse people live in a neurotypical world which is not set up for them, many autistic people suffer with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Current research, for example, indicates that there is a high correlation between autistic masking and high rates of anxiety and depression within the autistic community.
At Reflective Insights I offer a safe, compassionate space, where autistic clients can explore any challenges or difficulties they are experiencing (please see services section for more information). I work in a collaborative and flexible manner, taking into account the need of my clients.
What will happen in therapy?
At Reflective Insights I offer therapy sessions in person and remotely online. In therapy sessions, I encourage my clients to make themselves and their environment as comfortable as possible. I encourage the use of sensory toys (fidget toys, spinners), weighted blanket, etc. I encourage stimming. Eye contact is not necessary. Clients can sit on the floor, turn off lights, wear dark glasses, doodle or draw during the session. Time can also be factored in for movement breaks, etc.
Please let me know your preferred communication style, your communication needs, and your communication preferences in advance of our first session together. These are your sessions, I will be led by you, and we will go at your preferred pace. Therapy sessions usually last 50 mins (however adaptions can be made). Throughout therapy you will be doing most of the talking, however I will also ask you some questions. I will remind you 10 mins before the end of each session, that the session is coming near the end.
In our first session, I will ask you about the goals you would like to set for therapy and the areas you would like to work on. I can send some questions by email, in advance of our first session so you have time to think about this. At the end of each session, we can make a plan in relation to what area/s you might like to explore the following week (or you can let me know via email a few days prior to our next session).
My role as your psychotherapist is to provide a safe, respectful, and empathic space where you can feel comfortable exploring any difficulties you may be experiencing. We can work in a flexible, or structured manner. A flexible approach would involve you coming to the session each week and talking about whatever was on your mind, perhaps something that occurred during the week that was impacting you. A more structured approach e.g. might involve us planning in advance, what topic you would like to explore the following week. Time will be provided, near the end of our sessions, for an exploration of hobbies and special interests (if this is your preference).
I can offer you an appointment on the same day and at the same time each week. Any feedback is welcome. Reminder texts can be sent out to you two days prior to your next appointment (if that is your preference). Therapy sessions usually last 50 mins (however adaptions can be made), throughout therapy you will be doing most of the talking, however I will also ask you some questions. These questions are to help us gain more insight and understanding in relation to, what might be going on for you. There will be some silences throughout the session. These silences provide an opportunity for you to process and reflect, on what has been said. At the end of the therapy session, I will provide a brief summary of what has been discussed.