EMDR Therapy and Neurodiversity Go With That Magazine® Issue
We invited several authors to write about EMDR therapy and Neurodiversity in the Winter 2025 Go With That Magazine® issue. We are sharing Dr. Tiff Lanza’s article here, and EMDRIA members can access all other articles and issues in the Go With That Magazine®.
Finding the Magic in the Neurotype: Using EMDR with Neurodivergent Clients
Excerpt: “Neurodivergent-Affirming Work Within EMDR: Statements such as “meet the client where they are” or “individualize the care” are aspects of affirming care, but those phrases can miss crucial elements of affirming work. Affirming work, in general, proactively supports and validates a person’s full self-identity, experiences, and beliefs through positive reinforcement. Affirming work creates a space where a person feels seen, heard, and understood. Neurodivergent affirming work should be met through the framework that neurodivergent (ND) brains are just a different neurotype – not broken and not needing to be healed or fixed.
There are three pillars that can be used in working ND humans that are a culmination of long-term communications in the disability field. The three pillars that can be used in ND-Affirming work are:
- Value the whole person
- Presume competence
- Lead with curiosity and exploration
These pillars are what the author identifies as a framework for approaching ND individuals. … EMDR therapy is effective in supporting ND clients as long as the three pillars of affirming care are implemented.”
Continue Reading Lanza’s Full Article Here
Download Lanza’s ‘Tips to Start Using the Language’ Here
This issue also includes the following articles:
- Neurodiversity Affirming EMDR: Pathological Demand Avoidance – Understanding and Supporting a Unique Nervous System Response by Christine MacInnis, LMFT
- Affirming EMDR at the Intersection of Gender Identity and Neurodiversity by Cathy Hanville, LCSW
- Using EMDR to Treat PTSD Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury – Navigating a Changed Brain and Sense of Self by J. Laurel Thornton, LPC
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Additional Resources
If you are a therapist interested in the EMDR training:
- Learn more about EMDR therapy at the EMDRIA™ Library
- Learn more about EMDR Training
- Search for an EMDR Training Provider
- Check out our EMDR Training FAQ
If you are EMDR trained:
- Check out the EMDRIA™ Let’s Talk EMDR Podcast
- Check out the EMDRIA™ Focal Point Blog
- Learn more about EMDRIA™ membership
- Search for EMDR Continuing Education opportunities
If you are an EMDRIA™ Member:
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