At times do you feel like you and your partner live on different planets and see the world through different lenses?
Do you feel like you constantly misunderstand one another and it makes little to no sense why?
Do you know that not all brains process information in the same way and that couples who are in neurodiverse partnerships can experience unique challenges that are not always recognized by therapists?
A neurodiverse partnership is one where one partner is what is usually termed as neurotypical the other is termed as neurodivergent.
If you have been told you are neurotypical this means that your brain functions similarly to the majority of your peers.
If you have been told you might “be” neurodivergent it could mean someone has suggested you “have” ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. This simply means that your brain processes and learns things in a way that is not considered “typical”. Please be clear, this does not mean bad. It just means the world around you was not built for your brain!
What does that mean exactly?
It means that you each have different strengths and challenges in how you perceive, interact and react to the world and that learning about these differences could benefit your relationship.
I provide specific services for those experiencing neurodiverse partnerships. Whether one of you has actually been diagnosed or if you suspect a diagnosis, we can work together to bridge what might feel like a gap in communication.
- Do you feel like you have to parent your partner?
- Does it feel like your partner parents you?
- Do you often feel like you are having misunderstandings that lead to frustration, distrust and/or resentment?
- At times do you feel like you are speaking different languages?
- Does one of you tend to see things in black and white, good or bad and the other can see some gray areas?
- Do you want to better understand your patterns of unproductive, difficult communication and step away from blaming one another?
I can help you better understand what you are experiencing through education and an organized process of learning to create a dependable path for communication, conflict resolution and connection.
I am certified in The ND Compass developed by Dr. Jill Corvelli – a therapeutic couples counseling approach that weaves and teaches best practices to improve connection, communication, and conflict resolution.
Do you suspect or know for sure that you are neurotypical and your partner is neurodiverse? Do you feel like you need someone to talk to that can help you better understand your experience in your relationship? I provide Support Services for neurotypical partners. Reach out to me and we can talk about education and support.
Here are some common things you might be experiencing as the NT partner in a neurodiverse relationship:
- You might want to better understand your partner.
- You might be wondering if things can or will change within your relationship.
- You might think you are seeing some patterns within your relationship and want to understand why these are occurring.
- You might really like and love your partner but still feel lonely.
