The term neurodiversity is becoming more and more common. What does it mean? Neurodiversity refers to the idea that people’s brains work in many different ways, and how people interact with their own experiences and the world around them varies widely. In short, brain differences are normal, not deficits. We love how empowering it is to view other people and their brains through this affirming lens. To commemorate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we asked EMDRIA members for video or written responses for the following:
“How can EMDR therapists actively embrace and support neurodiverse clients? What internal or external resources do you emphasize with your neurodiverse clients?”
***NOTE: Play the video and click on the ‘CC’ icon in the lower right-hand corner for closed captioning on the videos.
“I’m a neurodivergent EMDR-certified therapist who works primarily with ADHDers and Autistic clients. During Phase 2, I ask about sensory preferences, special interests, areas of hyperfocus, and stims and pair these with BLS/DAS to utilize them as resources. For example, if a client enjoys deep pressure, I might suggest they use a weighted blanket or give themselves firm squeezes while engaging in BLS/DAS.
It’s important to be aware that many neurodivergent folks have difficulty identifying emotions (alexithymia), are unable to create mental images (aphantasia), or struggle to identify internal cues and body sensations (interoception). I recommend screening for and addressing these challenges, if present, before moving into Phase 3. That way, you’ll know not to ask an aphantasic client for an image and, perhaps, ask more generally, ‘What represents the worst or most powerful part of the experience?’
Finally, I’ve found many of my ND clients have NCs in the defectiveness domain, such as ‘something’s wrong with me.’ If this is the case, we might talk about rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), spoon theory, autistic and/or ADHD burnout, and shutdowns and meltdowns to help normalize their experiences and move toward a more positive belief.”
Resources:
EMDRIA. (2024). EMDR therapy and ADHD. Focal Point Blog. www.emdria.org/blog/emdr-therapy-and-adhd/
EMDRIA. (2022). EMDR therapy and autism. Focal Point Blog. www.emdria.org/blog/emdr-therapy-and-autism/
EMDRIA. (2024). EMDR therapy and neurodiversity. Let’s Talk EMDR Podcast. www.emdria.org/podcast/emdr-therapy-and-neurodiversity/
Hanville, C., MacInnis, C., & Lanza, T. (2024, January/February). Emergent neurodivergent: Neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic education. The Therapist (pp.6-9). www.camft.org/Resources/Read-The-Therapist
Hogan, S. (2023). Affirm Your Practice. Go With That Magazine™. www.emdria.org/magazine/affirm-your-practice/
Paulson, S. (2022). 10 Things about EMDR and Autism. Go With That Magazine™. www.emdria.org/magazine/10-things-about-emdr-and-autism/
Back to Focal Point Blog Homepage
Additional Resources
If you are a therapist interested in the EMDR training:
- Learn more about EMDR 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 EMDRIA’s Let’s Talk EMDR Podcast
- Check out the EMDRIA blog, Focal Point
- Learn more about EMDRIA membership
- Search for Continuing Education opportunities
If you are an EMDRIA Member:
Date
March 18, 2024
Contributor(s)
Cathy Hanville, Tiff Lanza, Christine MacInnis, Lisa Paer
Topics
ADHD/Autism/Neurodiversity
Practice & Methods
DEI/IDEA, Resourcing
