Therapy for Siblings of and Individuals who are Neurodivergent
Siblings
Being a sibling of a brother or sister who is neurodivergent can be challenging and rewarding, evoking many feelings in between.
Growing up where a family or parents’ attention often was focused on a neurodivergent child can make the other sibling feel not cared for or seen.
Feelings of uncertainty about where I fit into this family, feelings about surpassing my siblings, and also being placed in the role of the caretaker are some of the feelings my clients experience.
While many clients have empathy and understanding of why this took place in their families, they also have longstanding feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, and anxiety.
Through individual psychotherapy, I work to create a space where my clients, who are siblings, can explore and express all of their emotions.
Often in therapy, many of my clients work on how to develop and foster their relationship with their neurodivergent sibling.
For adult siblings, examining concerns and feelings about expectations for their roles with their neurodivergent sibling as their parents age is also an area of focus.
Individuals who are Neurodivergent
I have extensive experience working with individuals who are neurodivergent, as well as individuals with other learning differences, their partners, and families.
Often, therapy is sought due to challenges navigating friendships and social situations, including issues that surface in their romantic relationships and marriages.
Other areas that we frequently explore include feelings about college and work, finding and sustaining a job, feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
I believe that neurodivergent individuals with learning challenges have unique talents, strengths, and abilities.
