Understanding Neurodiverse-Affirming Counselling in Vancouver

Living as a neurodivergent person in a world that often expects “one right way” of thinking, feeling, or communicating can be exhausting. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, or simply identifying as neurodivergent, having a therapist who truly understands your lived experience can make all the difference. That’s where neurodiverse-affirming counselling in Vancouver and virtually comes in.

What is Neurodiverse-Affirming Counselling?

A green velvet chair positioned against a white paneled wall. The chair is holding a black garment and a book.

Neurodiverse-affirming counselling is an approach that respects and values neurological differences rather than framing them as something to “fix.” Moving away from therapies that try to change the way someone naturally processes the world, neurodiverse-affirming therapy is centered around celebrating strengths, reducing stigma, and creating strategies that actually work for the individual.

Unlike more traditional models, neurodiverse-affirming therapy is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to the needs of the client. Whether that means adjusting communication styles, creating sensory-friendly environments, or pacing sessions around attention and energy levels.

Why Neurodiverse-Affirming Therapy Matters

Too often, neurodivergent folks are pressured to mask or conform to meet societal expectations. Over time, this can lead to burnout/task paralysis, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Neurodiverse-affirming counselling recognizes that neurodivergence is not a deficit, but a valid and natural way of being.

When therapy is affirming, people feel seen, validated, and empowered to build skills and self-advocacy without shame.

Who Can Benefit from Neurodiverse-Affirming Counselling?

This kind of therapy can be a good fit for:

Four people sitting on beanbag chairs, interacting with each other and on their devices.

• Adults and teens with ADHD or autism

• People exploring neurodivergent identity without a formal diagnosis

• Couples and families navigating neurodiverse relationships

• Folks who are also part of queer, BIPOC, or disabled communities and need intersectional, inclusive care

What Makes a Neurodiverse-Affirming Counsellor Different?

A neurodiverse-affirming therapist in Vancouver will often:

• Use clear, direct, or visual communication when needed

• Normalize stimming, sensory needs, and alternative communication

• Offer flexible session structures (longer breaks, shorter sessions, or virtual therapy)

• Support clients in unmasking and reclaiming authentic ways of being

• Focus on strengths-based strategies for executive functioning, relationships, and daily life

Common Goals in Neurodiverse-Affirming Counselling

While every client’s needs are different, common areas of focus include:

Abstract artwork depicts a silhouette filled with geometric shapes and vibrant colors, symbolizing the complexity and individuality of the human mind.

• Building self-acceptance and reducing internalized ableism

• Navigating executive functioning challenges (organization, time management, focus)

• Managing stress, burnout, and emotional regulation

• Exploring identity and communication in neurodiverse relationships

• Coping with masking, rejection sensitivity, or sensory overload

How to Find a Neurodiverse-Affirming Counsellor in Vancouver

When searching for the right therapist, it helps to:

• Look for counsellors who explicitly use terms like “neurodiverse-affirming,” “ADHD-informed,” or “autism-affirming” on their websites

• Ask about their training, approaches, and lived or professional experience with neurodivergence

• Ask whether they offer flexibility in scheduling, communication, and session structures

Local Supports and Resources in Vancouver

Vancouver has a growing network of neurodiverse-affirming supports, from therapy to social groups:

• AsUR Counselling (North Vancouver): Affirming counselling for autism, ADHD, PDA, and neurodiverse families.

• Collective Healing Counselling and Consulting: Affirming counselling for neurodivergent, BIPoC and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.

• adhd SOCIAL HUB: Free peer support and social groups for ADHD and AuDHD adults across Metro Vancouver.

• Autism BC: Community resources, family support, and advocacy.

• The Neurodivergent Butterfly: Child and youth ADHD and autism assessments.

• Vancouver Coastal Health Regional ADHD Clinic: Assessment and treatment for adults ages 17–35 (referral required).

• Indigenous Disability Canada / BCANDS: Disability-related navigation and advocacy for Indigenous communities.

• Low-cost options: Willow Counselling resource listing, Collective Healing Counselling and Consulting ($30-80/student therapy sliding scale)

These resources offer options for individual counselling and can be combined with individual counselling to create a community of support for neurodivergent people in Vancouver.

Why Choose Counselling With Rachelle

Counselling With Rachelle logo featuring a delicate floral design in the center.

At Counselling With Rachelle, I take a neurodiverse-affirming, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approach to therapy. My practice centers on supporting ADHD and autistic clients, as well as folks navigating queer, BIPOC, disabled, and intersectional identities. Together, we’ll create a space where you can unmask, rest, and grow without judgment.

I offer virtual therapy across British Columbia and accessible care for individuals, couples, and neurodiverse relationships. Interested in neurodiverse-affirming counselling, lets chat.

Final Thoughts

Neurodiverse-affirming counselling in Vancouver is about empowerment, acceptance, and care that fits you, not the other way around. Whether you’re seeking strategies for daily life, support in relationships, or simply a therapist who “gets it,” you deserve therapy that honors who you are.