Psychologist Allison Haynes is with me on the podcast today to talk about neurodiversity in the practice of psychology. Listen now to discover how her personal journey with advocating for her own child led to her thriving, neurodiversity specialized clinic. We talk empathy, alexithymia, and gender diversity, as well as adapting therapy and assessment to meet a client where they are at. Allison shares how her experiences as an Autistic and ADHD psychologist caused her to extend compassion to her own brain and help her connect to her clients in unique and transformative ways.

Allison Haynes, MPsych is a psychologist who runs a Left of Center Therapies, multidisciplinary clinic in North Brisbane, Australia, that caters to anyone that identifies as Neurodivergent. Left of Center Therapies caters primarily to autistic clients, and include psychology, support work and occupational therapy. Left of Centre is also a training hub for provisional psychologists. Allison herself is autistic and ADHD and she shares with us how her passion was born from trying to advocate for her autistic children.
 
 Some Highlights
Treatment modalities that work
The “essential” neurodiversity representation in a psychology clinic
Adaptations to your private practice to support neurodivergent clients
How shifting your lens to view autistic meltdowns with compassion
Gender diversity and autism 
Managing one’s own executive functioning differences in practice
The value of self-disclosure
The myth of empathy and autism
Alexithymia in therapy

Resources
Instagram @drtamarasoles
drtamarasoles.com
Left of Center Therapies Facebook Page
https://www.loctherapies.com/
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Neuroclastic- Guide to Understanding the Autistic Mind

Articles
Identity First Language Article
ABA Controversy Article

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