Reflections on the value of neuroaffirmative therapy and coaching in anorexia recovery

Who I am

I’m a deep thinker and reflector. I can’t just settle on knowing something has worked. I’m driven to dig deep, to understand why, and to share elements of that learning within my work.

An analogy

And it wouldn’t be right for me to reflect on my lived experiences of therapy and coaching, without using an analogy. The use of analogies has been key to both; I find them comforting and concrete. A way of exploring aspects of life, emotions and other concepts in a less bewildering way. 

So, imagine a garden, gently nudging towards Spring. A little wild, fraught and weatherbeaten, but it had survived the longest winter. This garden represents my life, as I emerged from a long period of poor mental health. 

Now imagine the soil. This represents the healing role of therapy. Soil provides nutrients and a solid foundation for plants to lay their roots. To find their place to be. Within therapy, I’ve unpicked the purpose of anorexia, whilst processing trauma. Just as plants need the right soil to grow and thrive, finding the right therapeutic approach has been essential. A space to feel heard, valued and seen. 

Yet as I healed, I emerged into a world not yet designed for an autistic mind. We still face stereotypes, assumptions, misinformation and inaccessible environments. Extra layers of challenge to work around. Support mechanisms needed to be able to factor in this bigger picture, to be aware of the autistic climate.   

Coaching for growth

And there came a point where I needed more than just the soil and foundations. I began to access coaching to keep the momentum of growth. 

I liken coaching to the structures and processes needed to nurture that garden. Pulling up the weeds, adding a trellis to protect the plant from adverse weather conditions, or choosing what plants to include. A combination of practical elements (like designing a sensory-friendly home office) and working through thought processes. 

Coaching helped me to continue identifying my strengths, whilst working with my autistic differences. Developing skills and strategies that enable me to live, work and belong, whilst experiencing less trauma.   

Acceptance, as I am

Finally, let’s circle back to the word neuroaffirmative. 

Without the neuroaffirmative element, previous approaches often led me to metaphorically keep looking over the garden fence. I would try to heal and rebuild by mirroring how other gardens were, continuing my autistic masking. I’ve experienced neuroaffirmative therapy and coaching as acceptance, as I am. Environments that created choice and empowerment, allowing me to heal and grow, in a way that worked for me.

Do you want to understand more about my work?

Please do explore my website. You can read my other articles, listen to me talk about my mission and get in touch with me using my contact page.