How to Choose a Neuro-Affirming Therapist: A Guide for Turkey
Guide to finding an ADHD and neurodiversity-affirming therapist, questions to ask, and red flags in the therapy process.
Why the Neuro-Affirming Approach Matters
As an individual with ADHD, the quality of your therapy depends on your therapist's perspective. Traditional approaches view ADHD as a set of symptoms to cure, while the Neuro-Affirming approach respects neurological differences.
According to clinical insights from Konak Psychology (@konak-psikoloji), a neuro-affirming therapist does not ask "why can't you follow plans?" Instead, they analyze your nervous system and help construct behavioral scaffolding tailored to you, aiming to reduce masking.
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Questions to Ask and Red Flags
Do not hesitate to ask the following questions in your first session:
"What is your experience working with adult ADHD?"
"Are you familiar with neuro-affirming therapy practices?"
"How will we adjust our therapeutic goals to accommodate my executive dysfunction?"
As noted by @psk_seymaozbek, a major Red Flag is when a therapist dismisses your diagnosis ("everyone has a bit of ADHD nowadays") or attributes it purely to willpower or social media use.