Different, and not Broken!
Beyond the ordinary
Training to become a psychotherapist turned out to be more than a professional journey, it became a mirror. As I studied the minds and stories of others, I began to recognise familiar patterns within myself. It was during this time that I received my own diagnosis. Something that, rather than confining me, ignited a profound desire to truly understand the labels I had been given. Not just clinically, but personally: what they meant, where they came from, and how they shaped the way I moved through the world. This curiosity evolved into something deeper. It became a commitment to unpicking those definitions, reclaiming their meaning, and exploring what it all points to now: a more inclusive, lived experience of being both a therapist and someone navigating a neurodivergent identity.
Navigating a world set up others but not me
Having lived a life as an undiagnosed Neurodivergent person I experienced 10,000's of negative comments towards me. Living my life where I was exposed to events that due to my undiagnosed struggles caused me to experience trauma. Labelled as naughty, and disruptive because I could not sit still, or be quiet for hours on end. Needing to find a dopamine hit to try and pique my interest and give me focus. Often coshing risk-taking behaviours to achieve this.
In adulthood it initially served me well. A strict sense of right and wrong. This leading to a role as a frontline police officer working on the streets of London. What it did not prepare me for was the years of suppressed trauma, and pain leading to a diagnosis of CPTSD.
What my Diagnosis Meant for me, and now others that I work with.
Neurodivergence is a gift, and not a curse. Before understanding myself, and my process, I struggled to believe this. With so many people telling me otherwise it was hard to.
Collaborating with young clients has taught me the magic that being Neurodivergent can bring. Yes, we may struggle in mainstream school, yes, we may struggle in environments that are overstimulating and lack the necessary adaptations for our way of being. That however does not mean we are broken. We are simply different.
When we have a safe space, with safe people in which to liave, and work, we can acheive anything. Creativity, hyperfocus, probelem solving on a different level, thinking outside of the box, the need for order, the strict sense of right and wrong with an absence of those things Neurotypicals refer to as grey areas (indecision!). These things can all be gifts when harnessed, and encouraged by the world around us.
Our unique way of being is as poweful as it is beautiful. Understanding life, and the lived experience of others from their frame of reference is important, Here at the Chaotic mind this is something we undersatnd, and focus on. Understanding, and accepting your way of being. Free from judgment and experiencing a level of empathy that will support you in your journey.
Helping you to unpick the pieces and put the puzzle together in the right order.
We get it!
"I can't say enough about the outstanding service I received from your company. Their team went above and beyond to meet our needs and exceeded our expectations."
Oliver Hartman