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Counselling for Neurodiverse Individuals and Families

Honouring Strengths, Supporting Authenticity

Neurodiversity is not something to be “fixed”—it is something to be understood, accepted, and supported. Whether you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent child, youth, or adult, or you’re a family member of someone who is, counselling can provide a powerful space for growth, connection, and self-understanding. At Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness, our therapist Shireen Abedi offers counselling for neurodiverse individuals and their families in both our Warman and Evergreen (Saskatoon) clinic locations.

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how brains work. It includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Each neurodivergent individual has unique strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world. Counselling for neurodiverse individuals is not about changing who they are—it’s about honouring their individuality and supporting them in leading fulfilling lives that reflect their values, preferences, and potential.

How Counselling Supports Neurodiverse Individuals

When working with a counsellor who understands neurodiversity, therapy becomes a space of empowerment and acceptance. Counselling can help neurodiverse children, teens, and adults in the following ways:

1. Emotional Support

Navigating a world that often misunderstands or underestimates neurodivergent individuals can be challenging. Therapy offers a safe space to explore emotions, manage stress, and work through anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

2. Improved Self-Understanding

By learning how their brain works and how neurodivergent traits shape their experiences, individuals can better understand themselves, build confidence, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

3. Coping Tools for Daily Life

Counselling provides practical strategies to help with:

  • Emotional regulation

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Executive functioning (like organization and time management)

  • Adjusting to change and routine

 

4. Support with Social Skills and Communication

If desired, therapy can help individuals navigate social situations in ways that feel safe and authentic. This could mean building self-advocacy skills, developing clearer communication, or simply finding ways to feel more confident in relationships.

5. Promoting Self-Acceptance

Perhaps most importantly, counselling fosters a sense of self-compassion. It supports individuals in challenging internalized stigma, building a narrative of empowerment rather than limitation.

How Counselling Helps Families of Neurodivergent Individuals

Raising or living with a neurodivergent loved one can be both deeply rewarding and at times, complex. Counselling for neurodiverse individuals also includes support for families, helping parents, siblings, and caregivers better understand and navigate the unique needs of their family member.

Here’s how counselling can help families thrive:

1. Education and Perspective

Understanding the brain-based differences behind behaviours can transform frustration into empathy. Therapy helps families learn what neurodiversity really means and how to adapt support in ways that make a difference.

2. Enhanced Communication

Families often benefit from tools to improve everyday interactions. Counselling can help identify communication strategies that honour each member’s style and needs—reducing conflict and building connection.

3. Emotional Support for Parents and Caregivers

Caring for a neurodivergent family member can be emotionally taxing. Counselling provides a non-judgmental space for family members to process their own emotions, reduce burnout, and gain support.

4. Problem-Solving for Everyday Challenges

From school advocacy to supporting meltdowns, therapy offers practical coping strategies that help reduce overwhelm and promote a more peaceful home life.

5. Encouraging Independence and Advocacy

With support, families can learn to empower their loved one to express needs, make decisions, and build independence—all while feeling heard and supported.

Why Choose Warman Physio for Counselling?

At Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness, we understand that no two individuals—or families—are alike. That’s why we’re proud to offer neurodiversity-affirming counselling services with Shireen Abedi, a Registered Counselling Psychologist who works with children, youth, and adults at both our Warman and Evergreen (Saskatoon) locations. Shireen’s approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their own unique journey.

Book an Appointment Today

If you or a loved one could benefit from counselling for neurodiverse individuals, we invite you to connect with us. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy or family counselling, we’re here to help you explore your strengths, navigate challenges, and move forward with confidence.

Appointments are available in both Warman and Saskatoon (Evergreen). Reach out to Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness today to learn more!

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Why Virtual Services?

It has been nearly a year since the world stood still here in Saskatchewan. Prior to the pandemic we had the technology to provide virtual services, but it was still considered best practice to see people in-person for all services. This changed rapidly March 18, 2020. In practicing virtual services since this time for the vast majority of the time, we wanted to highlight some of the answers to “Why Virtual Services?”

No need to worry about exposure

The most obvious reason for those that are more conservative is your reduced exposure. You can have your service provided from the safety of your home. There is no need to worry about who all has been in the building.

Childcare Barriers are Reduced

Our biggest struggle is following the recommendation that people should come independently to appointments. We LOVE helping mommas, kiddos, and babies. Not being able to share our toys and baby containing options for families has been a big challenge for us. Having virtual options for services allows us to still see those with busy families; while reducing your costs and eliminating childcare costs!

No Drive Time

YES! We are able to see anyone in Saskatchewan that is a resident of Saskatchewan (for physiotherapy), and greater expansion across Canada (counselling and nutrition services). This allows us to significantly reduce the time away from work or family and increase the efficiency of appointments.

We Still Get a Lot Done!

There are very few appointment types that can’t be done virtually! Especially when it comes to the first appointment. This is where we are gathering information on what happened and how everything is feeling. Getting some movement and visual observation can go a long way. If it isn’t an appropriate issue, injury, or area to be seen virtually, it is our responsibility to ensure that you know and we continue with alternative options – which we hold ourselves highly accountable for.

Remember, the most important piece to improvement is not what we DO, it’s what YOU do!

We see people for anywhere from one appointment every few weeks, to once a week. We impact change from our knowledge and applying to your homework to do between appointments.

“I have been treating people virtually since March 2020 and I am really loving the option for people. It has allowed me to get to know my clients even better, as well as work within the restrictions with a variety of health limitations for my clients.” ~Haylie

If you want to learn more about our virtual services check out our other publications!

Virtual Services

Tele-Wha? Telehealth Services

 

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Easing into the New Year

It is another New Year. A time of change and reflection. Last year we wrote our New Year blog with the knowledge that the year was going to be VERY different. Forced changes were happening even as the holidays were gearing up. What we didn’t know is how much of a collective experience having control snatched away would be!

This year it feels that instead of jumping into new resolutions and generalizations of what the year has in store, we are all keeping a close eye on 2021. The new puppy that you aren’t sure won’t wreck those shoes or pee on the carpet. Whatever 2021 had had in store for you, we truly wish that 2021 brings the growth and expansion of happiness and health to all our clients and communities.

Eloquence and gushing are not something that many people find comfortable, including us, however this reflection begs some serious accolades. This past year has shown us that our team is rock solid. We have phenomenal staff. Not only were they able to pick up the slack for Haylie stepping back for her own treatment, but they were able to do this AND navigate a pandemic! Our team had nothing but the health and well-being of our clients and community at the forefront throughout the entire process.

It is for these reasons that we are grateful to 2020. It showed us:
  • We can do hard things (very VERY hard things)
  • Everyone has each others back
  • Continuing as a team and supporting our clients remained a top priority
  • Striking a work/life balance made a big difference in our ability to show up for our clients
  • The adaptability and mental flexibility to move from in-person to virtual services was phenomenal
  • Our values and mission has held strong and true through this whole endeavor

Changes are inevitable. Such massive changes as a collective society is less common. Beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are proud of our clients and community to make this pivot in our social and professional interactions. We have also discovered that some massive changes will not waiver the core values.

Warman Physio will continue to provide:
  1. Exceptional comprehensive and compassionate care
  2. A family friendly and welcoming environment where you are heard
  3. Services across a wide span of providers to best suit your needs

So even though we are all watching our backs waiting to see what 2021 has in store for us, we still plan on going out and exploring the ways we will grow this year.

 

P.S. Did you know we have some new services? Check them out and see how to book:

Virtual Services: Physiotherapy, Dietitian, Counselling

In-person: Fitness, Physiotherapy, Massage, Occupational Therapy, Dietitian, Counselling

Return of Haylie to Practice: Virtual exclusive

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