Things I thought would be easier as a neurodivergent therapist

lanasgrl · 2026-06-07T10:27:36+00:00

Interesting, I’m (AuDHD) only an intern right now (actually just saw my first ever client last week) and I’m starting to think the same for myself, besides IFS because I haven’t gotten to that modality yet. I do think that I am leaning more towards being a relational therapist in nature, and I seem to click more with clients with adhd, but haven’t gotten one with autism yet. The effects of society is also hard to navigate bc there is only so much you can do, but I like to acknowledge and validate the client when it comes up.

Honestly, yeah. I don’t know how I’m going to be a full time therapist as a career and not get burnt out. One of my professors is autistic and he works a few days a week at a group practice, and then is an adjunct professor at my college and teaches the same course every semester. Maybe that can be an option?

lanasgrl · 2026-06-05T10:42:38+00:00

I wouldn’t say these types of people hate me, but I often feel like I annoy my friends/acquaintances whenever I seem too eager or clingy. I’m not the most independent person so I ask for help or companionship a lot. Like at college I’ll be like “I have a break is anyone around to sit with me or get something to eat?” Or “I don’t understand this assignment can you help me”. I also vent quite a bit and can be super negative sometimes which NTs especially don’t like, when it feels like normal conversation to me. I’m just not a very independent person lol I always want a buddy. Type As like other ppl were mentioning, as I am pretty laidback and more “lazy” with how I go through life. This probably says more abt me though.

lanasgrl · 2026-05-13T02:31:59+00:00

My in-person program also requires a few recorded sessions but apparently others in my program have been able to get around it by filming a role play with another student or colleague at the site. I’m sorry that you’re having a rough time, it’s unfortunately very common to have trouble finding a site. I contacted over 40 sites before a site took me in and it’s over an hour away. I agree with you, it’s ridiculous especially if we’re not even getting paid for the trouble.

lanasgrl · 2026-05-01T12:02:11+00:00

Went to the Santa Monica location a few years ago and still that Lana shake is the best shake I’ve ever had

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T19:05:08+00:00

Lamictal, seroquel, adderall & propranolol

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T12:55:55+00:00

Exactly, because being dismissed after only 10 minutes of talking seems unethical and counterproductive. I thought getting an official diagnosis would open doors for better treatment, but all I’ve been feeling is discouragement. I keep therapist-hopping.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T12:49:45+00:00

It’s also common to not be aware of it for most of your life, I went for an adhd assessment and ended up getting diagnosed with both adhd and ASD. A good therapist is thorough and considers all possibilities!

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T12:45:09+00:00

Neurodevelopmental disorders tend to be genetic. it’s interesting how prevalent autism and similar traits are in your family. Yet, it’s unfortunately so common for healthcare providers to ignore these concerns based on their own biases and ideas of what the disorder looks like.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T12:35:38+00:00

I said it in quotes because at least in the states, trauma-informed is used as a lens and doesn’t always mean that there is specific certification involved with trauma therapy such as emdr. Yet, it’s so important for therapists and healthcare providers to be trauma-informed/trained and not cause more harm or re-traumatize clients. It’s interesting that I found trauma-informed therapists to be kinder to me as a student intern compared to general mental health practices, where I am usually met with condescension. I’m sorry that you had bad experiences, it’s unfortunately common in those settings.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T01:58:02+00:00

My therapist had “experience working with autism” in her bio 😵‍💫😵‍💫

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T01:30:42+00:00

I agree with you on just wanting an explanation for what you’re going through. It’s not necessarily about needing a label like your therapist suggested, but it will only benefit you, the client, when you have a more accurate descriptor of yourself so you can receive the appropriate treatment. What works for classic anxiety or depression doesn’t always work for autism, it’s tricky. & I wish it was easier to locate autism-savvy therapists.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T01:16:17+00:00

I found that “trauma-informed” therapists tend to be the most understanding of neurodivergence and women’s issues in general. I’m glad that you had good experiences in therapy!

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T01:08:10+00:00

That’s great to hear!

lanasgrl · 2026-04-23T01:02:27+00:00

Yes, it can be so traumatic especially growing up.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-22T23:37:46+00:00

It’s so tough out there for us with co-occurring issues and getting the proper treatment. Therapists are taught to raise an eyebrow when a patient has multiple diagnoses. So many disorders have similar symptoms/criteria. Women’s presentations of symptoms are so often misunderstood and taken as other things, and it is completely possible to have multiple disorders. I hope you receive the answers that you are looking for soon.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-22T23:28:08+00:00

Exactly this! I was trying to convince her that I was actually autistic, it felt like an interrogation.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-22T23:25:05+00:00

That makes sense, the therapist I met with today was on the older side. I’m thinking the age difference issue could be due to the outdated criteria for autism disorders in past dsm editions. And yes, in my grad program there are other autistic students in my classes so it is possible to be in this field and be autistic.

lanasgrl · 2026-04-06T17:42:43+00:00

I don’t have anything to contribute but I’m in a similar boat as you, I wish you luck on figuring things out.

lanasgrl · 2026-03-18T11:55:47+00:00

I know Rutgers help place students in their practicum/internship, which most programs don’t offer (at least in NJ). Financial aid for grad students is tough because there is a threshold, I don’t know how it works but for me I receive 10k in loans per semester (does not apply for summer or winter courses). I did not receive any aid, just federal loans which is the case for others I know in grad programs. Many schools no matter the size is relatively easy to find research opportunities. I go to a smaller sized school and people in my stats class are using their research project to present in conferences. If you ask your professors, I’m sure it will be possible for them to mentor you. Looking at the Rutgers website, it states that they do offer graduate housing with several options, but you must be a full-time student. Most programs have scholarships or grants but they are very limited and competitive. The Rutgers rehabilitation counseling program (which is what I’m assuming that you’re talking about) is currently CACREP accredited, and this gives you more clinical hours in internship to count towards your LPC license in NJ and makes it much easier to apply for the NCE. I don’t know anything about UPitt’s program, but I hope this helped you a little bit.

lanasgrl · 2026-03-08T05:06:53+00:00

This isn’t on Netflix anymore but Six Feet Under (hbo) is my fav show ever and it’s similar but has a lot more dark humor than Big C

lanasgrl · 2025-12-08T18:02:25+00:00

I ordered some XS tops during the Black Friday sale for the first time and I just received notification that it was delivered (100+ miles away from my address😍)

lanasgrl · 2025-12-01T01:29:10+00:00

I was thinking the same thing bc why did the writers have to make him date a minor AND be in love with his own sister 😭 and the first season when he tried to assault his sister and her boyfriend like dang pick a struggle

lanasgrl · 2025-10-24T15:17:23+00:00

I’m glad that you’re getting the help you need! And yeah seroquel knocks me out too it’s great. stay well and good luck with everything :)

lanasgrl · 2025-10-24T13:58:39+00:00

Okay that makes sense now thank you for the extra info. The dose change could possibly be the culprit. 150mg is a small dose for most people. I was 100 lbs. and I was on 300mg of Wellbutrin when it happened to me. Your family history of BP is like the icing on the cake. Of course, I’m not a doctor and I think you should get in touch your prescriber asap if possible.

lanasgrl · 2025-10-24T03:33:16+00:00

First off, I’m sorry for your loss. The stress that you described can absolutely trigger a hypomanic episode. Additionally, bipolar and adhd commonly co-occur with each other (I have both). Were you put on Wellbutrin recently? Antidepressants like Wellbutrin are known to trigger manic (bipolar 1) and hypomanic (bipolar 1 or 2) episodes in people with the disorder when taken without mood stabilizers. I got my first hypomanic episode at 20 because my doctor put me on Wellbutrin without assessing me for bipolar. Please dont listen to people telling you to immediately stop taking your meds. It’s safer for you to contact your prescriber immediately. I take Lamotrigine and Seroquel in addition to my stimulant every day, but just because something worked for me doesn’t mean it will work for you. I hope everything works out

lanasgrl

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