Episode 135. Today’s episode is Part 2 of 2 of my conversation with Becca Gibson. Please make sure to go back and listen to Part 1 first.

In this part of the conversation we dive into the good stuff. The ways that therapists and other helpers accidentally cause harm, how to avoid this, and some of the things Becca really wishes people knew about people who have diagnoses of ADHD and Autism.

Becca is a therapist who works primarily with high masking, late identified and late diagnosed autistic and ADHD people.

Let’s dive in!

What to Expect in This Episode

We cover the following:

• Some of the many ways that therapists and others can cause harm for people with ADHD and Autism
• Becca’s thoughts on the requirement of a formal diagnosis to confirm ADHD or Autism
• What therapists can to do avoid this harm
• What psychodrama is and how it can be therapeutic, particularly for experiences with trauma (including how it brings a somatic component that can be unique compared to other somatic therapies)
• What psychodrama can look like and how it can be used in individual and group settings
• Becca’s insights into community building, group work and how it can do things that individual work simply cannot
• Becca’s process with openly sharing her ADHD and Autism diagnoses and what went into that decision
• And so much more!

Who is Becca Gibson

Becca Gibson, LCSW-C, LICSW, is an Autistic and ADHD independent clinical social worker, as well as the founder and owner of Wired Differently Therapy, a private practice serving clients in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. After spending years supporting disabled students in public school classrooms, Becca began a career in social work with a specialization helping neurodiverse couples, families, and neurodivergent individuals through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Becca’s clinical work focuses on Autistics and ADHDers – especially those who are considered “gifted”, or “twice-exceptional” – and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence. In addition to their work as a therapist, Becca provides professional development training, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision.

Definition of Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term. According to Nick Walker, neurodivergent refers to “having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of ‘normal.’”

Resources Mentioned

• YouTube ADHD training delivered by Becca Gibson: https://youtu.be/IcWMwK1aSvg?si=kaRlsD1Ysp8mAXnQ
• Matt Lowry’s information about how he has reframed the DSM diagnostic criteria for autism to be more strengths-based

• Information on Autistic-Centered Therapy from KindTherapyandWellness.com
• Autistics are more likely to experience complex trauma, and to identify as alexithymic. Alexithymia doesn’t mean you don’t feel things, it just means you have trouble identifying how to label these feelings
• AASPIRE – https://autismandhealth.org/
• Information about Psychodrama
• The Obsessive Joy of Autism book

Wanting more support beyond these podcasts?

• I am currently accepting new therapy clients if you live in one of these 40 states in the US
• If interested in learning more, including my availability and details about my practice, email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com or call 616-227-0001
• Or if you are a therapist of helping professional looking to connect in community and learn more about or experience the IFS model, get on my email list here and/or email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com to introduce yourself!

Disclaimer: This blog and podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual professional advice or treatment, including medical or mental health advice. It does not constitute a provider-patient relationship.

Disclosure: Using the Bookshop.org links in this post means that I would get an affiliate fee if you purchase from the online bookshop (this supports my business, and local bookstores too!).