Therapy for Neurodivergent People in Victoria BC
NEURODIVERSITY, NEURODIVERGENCE, AND THERAPY
Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in how people's brains develop and function. No two brains are exactly alike!
Neurodivergent describes neurotypes, or experiences that differ from what's considered "typical." This includes Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, intellectual disabilities, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, and more. It's an umbrella term, not a diagnosis itself.
While neurodivergence can bring real challenges, it also brings real strengths. Neurodiversity as a framework affirms that there's no single "right" way to think, feel, or behave, and that differences aren't deficits.
Because society still has work to do in accepting neurodivergence, navigating systems that weren’t built for you can add stress and even worsen other health conditions. Our skilled therapists can help you start to befriend your nervous system, understand your experiences, navigate your relationships, and manage work or education demands. Our counsellors offer neurodiversity-affirming care, in person in Victoria and online across BC.
LATE DIAGNOSIS
It is not uncommon for people to be diagnosed or to self-diagnose later in life. It can be challenging to process the new information and how it changes your perspective on your life’s experiences as well as learn new ways to care for yourself and affirm yourself in the present and future. Counselling can be very helpful for people who are experiencing major life upheavals, and this includes newly discovered neurodivergence. We encourage you to take advantage of our 20 minute complimentary discovery calls to get to know one or more of our team members and find a therapist who will be a good match for you.
WHAT THERAPISTS CAN AND CANNOT DO FOR OUR NEURODIVERGENT CLIENTS
Neurodiversity informed and affirming therapists can provide ND people with guidance, support, skills, and better understanding of themselves. Due to the widespread lack of acceptance and barriers to full participation for neurodivergent individuals in society, neurodivergence often co-presents with other experiences such as depression and anxiety. Counselling can be helpful with these too.
While we can be a valuable part of your team, counsellors cannot provide assessments or diagnosis and cannot prescribe medications. You will have to see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist for a diagnosis or an assessment referral.
THE BENEFITS OF COUNSELLING FOR NEURODIVERGENT AND HIGH SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS
Neurodivergent and high sensitive individuals face many challenges, but we are here to support you. Many of our clients notice improved self-awareness, coping skills, and emotional regulation as a result of their sessions at Bodymind Counselling. Counselling has the potential to help you grow into enhanced relationships and overall better well-being.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We know that accessing therapy can be challenging for neurodivergent folks, and we will do our best to accommodate you. We can book appointments in person in Victoria, BC or remotely, and you can inform us of other requirements you may have at the time of booking. We offer flexible scheduling.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALING
If you have ADHD, Autism, or another form of neurodivergence, you are welcome here at Bodymind Counselling. Many of our team identify as neurodivergent as well, and all are comfortable working with ND folks. Our therapists will tailor our support to your unique experience and needs. We’re here for you – get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions about NEURODIVERSITY in counselling
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While we cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis, Bodymind counsellors work with neurodivergent folks to support you in your healing, self-acceptance, and self knowledge whether you are self diagnosed, questioning, or have a formal diagnosis. We can provide local resources for seeking formal assessment, if that is something you desire, or we can help you come to terms with your experience in the absence of a formal diagnosis too.
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Yes. Many of our clients have been diagnosed later in life. We find therapy can be a very helpful space for people to uncover how masking has impacted their lives and how creating safe spaces to unmask can be very beneficial.
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As counsellors and social workers, we are not able to diagnose or prescribe medications. If you have ADHD or another type of neurodiversity that may respond to medication, we recommend that you speak to your primary care provider about this. We work with many clients who take medication for ADHD or other conditions, and we believe that whether or not you are taking medication, therapy is a valuable and important tool to grow your self awareness, understand your experiences, and gain new skills.
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Most extended benefit plans do cover the services of a Registered Clinical Counsellor or a Registered Social Worker, but please check your plan to confirm. Unfortunately, MSP does not cover private counselling services.
We believe everyone should be able to access therapy, regardless of their financial situation or income. Bodymind Counselling offers counselling sessions with highly trained and carefully selected student counsellors, who have completed the academic portion of a Masters in Counselling program. These students are hand-picked from a long list of applicants, and undertake a 12 month practicum at our clinic. They offer sessions both in person, and via secure video therapy. These sessions cost $30 for your first appointment and $70 plus GST for subsequent appointments.
Students receive intensive supervision and lots of instruction during their 12-month practicum, and are able to provide clients with a longer-term relationship and more sessions than many other short-term, low-fee options can provide.
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Our team provides in-person appointments for clients based in Victoria, BC and virtual appointments for clients in other locations in British Columbia who prefer virtual therapy for any reason.
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While this varies greatly from person-to-person, clients experiencing acute challenges often benefit from approximately 6-8 appointments, while clients unpacking complex and chronic problems often need more. We know that time and cost are a barrier for many of our clients, and we will work hard to make every appointment count for you. Some people may experience great relief almost immediately, and others may want to work with their therapist over a period of months or even years.
