Concerning Therapy and
Neurologically Diverse Syndromes
“What will a session be like, what will happen?”
Early sessions will involve looking at what you are hoping for and planning the way forward. It is difficult
to generalise after that but when required there can be help with staying on track during the session and personal note taking
for between session reminders. Throughout, the interplay between practical and psychological aspects will be allowed
and encouraged. This will be a pragmatic collaboration and so focus may fall
on a particular area according to current need or to longer-term aims.
“Where do you stand regarding prescribed medication?”
I have an open view of medication for all conditions and work with people who take prescribed
medication as well as those who do not. For some it is consistently reported to work well and provide opportunity. For others
it is not the route for reasons of choice or suitability.
“What
do you think of self-medication?”
Many, perhaps most
people self-medicate with such things as coffee. With everything, it all depends on the degree of use. If any form of medication
interferes negatively with the process of therapy then we would need to assess what was happening. As a guideline, the extensive
use of alcohol or non-prescribed mood altering substances during the 24 hour period before the therapy session could create
difficulties that may hinder the therapy. I reserve the right to not proceed with a session if I believe that a client is
under the influence of any such substance at the time.
“Do
you think I was born with these problems or do you think something happened when I was growing up?” The answer to that is complex and I am not able to generalise but I will try
to answer. Neuroscience has shown that our genes and our environment work in
combination. Our genes may determine that some things will be difficult for us to do or may give us a predisposition
to having some problems but then expectations placed on us by society in the form of family, school, work, friends and our
community, together with our experiences, also have an affect, both positive and negative. So, complex with no clear answer. However, neuroscience also carries hope that pathways in the brain can be formed,
strengthened and changes made.
“I don’t like labels,
why do you use them?”
I don’t like labels either;
I think they can be very damaging. In working with me I will always consider
that a label does not define a person, it is just one aspect. However, I try to think of labels as having
potential to help. We are all individuals and labels defining specific syndromes are just aspects of who we are. For some
these are important aspects that stand in the way of living a life of fulfilment, connection and harmony. Being able to define difficulties under an
umbrella label may bring many different responses. It can be seen
as useful to gain help and understanding. It can bring relief after a long search.
Sometimes there are less comfortable feelings. It can be confusing as there is a lot of information out there, some of which is conflicting. Professionals,
society, media, family and friends may all have their view: whether medication is advisable; how to change the environment
for support; how to change unhelpful behaviour; the reasons behind the problems; and more. “Diversity is a frequently used word of our time
and is potentially enriching.
However, I believe it can be seen that to treat all people the same would favour
some while penalising others.
We are individuals.”
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