We believe that every mind is unique. We also believe that people who are neurodivergent deserve care that recognizes and respects the differences that come with being neurodivergent.
Our counsellors are here to support you with compassion and understanding. Our neurodivergent-affirming counselling services are designed to meet you where you are, offering a safe space to be seen, heard, and empowered.
You don’t need to change who you are. You are deserving of care that celebrates your strengths and helps you navigate life in a way that works for you.
What is Neurodivergence? A Guide to Unique Ways of Thinking
Neurodivergence refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn, feel, and experience the world. It includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences that shape how people process information and interact with their surroundings. It is not always a diagnosis – some people identify as neurodivergent without a formal diagnosis.
Being neurodivergent doesn’t mean that something is wrong – it simply means that the brain works in a unique way. Our team of counsellors honour and celebrate these differences, and we recognize that neurodivergent people bring valuable perspectives, creativity, and strengths.
We are here to provide support that respects each person’s lived experience, without any judgment or pressure to “fit in”.
Our Approach to Neurodivergent-Affirming Care in Vancouver or Kamloops
Here at Healing Spaces, we believe that neurodivergent people are worthy of care that is respectful, empowering, and tailored to their unique needs. Our neurodivergent-affirming approach centers around collaboration – our role is to listen deeply and to never assume a one-size-fits-all approach to healing.
We strive to make therapy accessible and comfortable, and this includes adjusting the pace of sessions, using clear and direct communication, and creating a sensory-friendly space. We focus on strengths, not deficits, and we work together with each client to build tools for emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
Types of Neurodivergent Conditions
Neurodivergence includes a wide range of conditions that affect how individuals think, communicate, and process information. These differences are not flaws, but rather demonstrate the many brilliant ways the human brain can work. Below are a few common forms of neurodivergence we help navigate in our counselling services.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and behaviour. Each person with autism is unique – some may have strong preferences for routine, heightened sensory sensitivity, or focused interests, while others may communicate in ways that are nonverbal or nontraditional.
Autism is not something to be “cured”, but rather understood and supported. We empower those with autism to foster self-acceptance, reduce anxiety, and navigate relationships in a way that honors their authentic self.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD affects attention, executive functioning, and impulse regulation. Those with ADHD may experience challenges with focus, organization, emotional regulation, or restlessness, but also often bring creativity, passion, and unique problem-solving skills.
Our counselling approach helps people with ADHD build strategies for managing daily demands, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and tap into their natural strengths in a caring and nonjudgmental environment.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and language processing. It is not related to intelligence, but rather how the brain interprets written symbols. Many people with dyslexia are highly creative, visual thinkers who may also face frustration or low confidence due to traditional academic challenges.
In therapy, we support clients with dyslexia by addressing emotional impacts such as anxiety, self-esteem, and school or work stress, while helping them build resilience and self-advocacy skills.
