About Phoenix.
Neurodiverse Paradigms offers a model of therapeutic coaching, backed by current research, to provide relevant/meaningful resources and supports, to the growing numbers of newly identified neurodiverse adults.
I identify as queer neurodivergent woman who is the parent of two neurodivergent children. My lived experience as a late diagnosed adhd/autistic adult has been central to building this integrative model of care.
I have International certification in Strength and Resilience based therapeutic supports for clients identifying as neuro-diverse.
I have Complex Trauma ( CPTSD) training and have certification in IFS ( Internal Family Systems), Somatic psychology ( psychology that considers the embodied aspects of internal experiences) , EMDR, and Polyvagal Theory to support clients with a more tailored, integrated therapeutic framework.
My work has been integrated by the teachings and trainings from lead international experts in these areas who i feel honoured to be mentored by: Dr Arielle Schwartz, Deb Dana, Stephen Porgess , Dr Frank Anderson, Janet Fischer, Brene Brown and Tara Brach.
In Australia, I want to point to the work of Kristy Forbes, Yellow LadyBugs and the Divergent Woman Podcast for their continued advocacy in this area and their dedication to providing our communities with supports, information and insights.
OUR BACKGROUND ( For the deep-divers )
The increase of newly identified neurodiverse adults is being understood by some therapeutic circles as being a ‘lost or missed generation’ . This means that many adults , in their 30’s and beyond, are only now coming to understand their unique neuro differences later in life and have been lost in the mental health and educational systems ( among others) systemically. This later in life self discovery of neuro divergence, often occurs after having to navigate a complex, medicalised, ableist system , with heavily waitlisted psychiatrists, expensive assessments and processes, while endeavouring to seek a formal diagnosis to receive appropriate/meaningful supports. Often, it is women and non binary folk who have been systemically mis- diagnosed and/or under-diagnosed which has caused health challenges, relationship and work difficulties , and relational or systemic traumas, on the long path to accurate and formal diagnosis.
Voices from within neurodiverse communities are advocating for a systemic change in the ways society view neurodivergence; a paradigm shift away from the over pathologized/medical model, that views neurodivergent populations as solely deficit or ‘disordered’, toward a more inclusive, client-centred, strength-based approach that foregrounds our lived experiences.
I developed this practice in response to the professional gap in psychological and counselling clinics, where adult presentations of neurodivergence ( AFAB adults in particular ), continued to be chronically misdiagnosed as anxiety/depression ( both of which often co - occur with neuro divergence, due to the stress placed on our nervous systems through having to manage complex symptoms without support. This missed diagnosis also often results in prescribed medications and cognitive based therapies that did not support our needs, resource our nervous system and hinders further capacity to access the relevant therapeutic supports .
Neurodiverse Paradigms Therapeutic Coaching is premised on offering trauma informed, somatic aware, strength based care. With a supportive Integrative framework, clients are offered a space to feel seen, heard and understood , as we work together to find the most meaningful and sustainable resources for you. In our time together, we begin to understand neurodivergence as a ‘new’ identity and explore and integrate this in meaningful ways, that affirm your strengths and support areas of challenge.
Neurodiverse Paradigms Therapeutic Coaching aims to offer clients accessible ( telehealth) and more affordable ( sliding scale and concession) supports and to provide a therapeutic space where we build self compassion and safety. Sometimes showing up is the best we can do and this is not only welcomed , it is also validated and compassionately held. By slowly re- building our capacity to meet challenge and stressors, we create new neurological pathways ( new choices ), for meaningful change, that supports your authentic growth.