Autistic therapists?
So I've been in therapy for a bit to try to deal with my social anxiety and depression, but I feel like I'm not making much progress, and I'm wondering if others have been able to get help by seeing a therapist that specifically deals with autism?
I'm self diagnosed (and not looking for an "official diagnosis" for a few reasons) but have suspected that I was on the spectrum since my teenage years about 15-20 years ago.
I have some social skills, but my awkwardness related to autism has given me intense social anxiety that contributes to my depression, especially in recent years. I feel like I have trouble starting/carrying on conversations, I struggle with hearing people in loud environments, and sometimes I make inappropriate/mean jokes and dont realise until after I've said it.
I think I mask a lot to my therapist, I can be fairly chatty with her since I am comfortable talking to her, but she is very much an extrovert and I don't think she really "gets" my struggles. I've also worked in customer service my whole life so putting on a "pleasant mask" is pretty much second nature to me.
@purpleBalloon88 I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling like you're not making much progress in therapy. It's understandable to wonder if seeing a therapist who specializes in autism might be helpful for you. Many individuals with autism have found it beneficial to work with therapists who have expertise in that area.
While self-diagnosis can provide personal insight, seeking guidance from a professional who specializes in autism can offer a more comprehensive understanding and support tailored to your specific needs. They can help you explore strategies for managing social anxiety, navigating conversations, and addressing any challenges related to your autism.
It's important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who understands your unique struggles. If you feel like your current therapist may not fully grasp your experiences, it might be worth considering finding someone who has more experience or training in autism.
@purpleBalloon88
I have a therapist now who specifically works with autistic people and she helps me lots. I had a therapist before her, who didn't specialise in anything and she wasn't helpful at all, she didn't have the experience or expertise to effectively support my needs and provide help. Being autistic makes my mental health complicated, and traditional cbt styles of therapy don't really work on me because of those complexities. The therapist I have now is lots of nice, she understands how I express things, and provides me with the accomdations I need to access therapy. She also adapts the therapy to suit my specific needs and understanding. She rewrites worksheets a lot for me into a way I will understand, and we always go through them slowly together. She knows I need process time. We have stim breaks too. And she incorporates my special interests to the sessions too! It really helps having someone who understands :)
