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Rainbow Spectrum: Embracing Neurodiversity in the LGBTQIA+ Community

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Sam

Caucasian hand holding rainbow lollies

Who Is Rae?

Rae is an Arts Therapist, Psychotherapist and Supervisor. They are Non-Binary and Neurodivergent with a lived experience of Chronic Illness; as well as being vegan and loving animals. They are passionate about Disability Rights, the LGBTQIA+ Community and Mental Health. Their space has a sensory garden outside the studio and when working therapeutically, they use person-centred, strengths-based and peer support approaches to assist individuals to access their internal resources and building their resilience. Their core values include connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, personal congruence, and autonomy.

Episode Summary

  • I ask Rae to define some key terms around the intersection of Queer & Neurodivergent.
  • Rae shares why this is an area that they are passionate about – as someone who is both Queer & Neurodivergent.
  • We explore the importance of lived experience with our clients and later discuss the role of self-disclosure.
  • Exploring what Queer & Neuro affirming therapy looks like and why it cannot be pathologising.  
  • We discuss what therapists need to be aware of in terms of language, their own bias, and internalised assumptions.
  • Rae shares the reason why they believe that Neurodivergence does not need diagnosis or that it can be gatekept.
  • We discuss what Queer & Neurodivergent folk should look for when they are searching for a therapist. Including how Rae creates safety for their clients.
  • I ask Rae what some of the challenges are for the intersection of Queerness & Neurodivergence.
  • Rae shares about what is brought up in the room and the role of non-verbal and creative approaches.
  • We discuss the notion that we should keep therapy and politics separate and why that is not possible for this intersection of the community.
  • I ask Rae what it is like Inside their Therapy Room, to work with someone with lived experience and who is considering the environment also.
  • We explored the power of choice in the room, and what the red flags are that people can be aware of.
  • Finally, Rae smashes a myth about the intersection of Queerness & Neurodivergence.