Neuroaffirmatív approach
Our psychologist at Visegrádi street center
Bianka Tóth
What does the neuroaffirmative approach mean?
Have you ever felt that you or your child sees and perceives the world differently from those around you? Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological characteristics are all part of neurodiversity, which naturally enriches human diversity. The goal of the neuroaffirmative approach is to view these differences not as problems, but as valuable characteristics, and to create a supportive environment where everyone can live authentically.
This approach does not focus on “deficits” or “disorders,” but rather on individual strengths, abilities, and opportunities for growth. In psychological counseling, we strive to help those affected and their families realize that it is not only they who must constantly adapt to their environment, but that it is also important for the environment to adapt to them in a supportive way.
Challenges where a neuroaffirmative approach can be useful
Childhood development and school environment
For many children, school expectations, noisy environments, or social situations can be overwhelming. Children with autism or ADHD often feel like they don’t “fit in” with their peers. The neuroaffirmative approach helps children remain true to themselves while learning strategies that make learning and social situations easier for them.
Adult difficulties and workplace challenges
As adults, many people find themselves facing organizational difficulties, communication misunderstandings, or overload. The neuroaffirmative approach helps those affected to recognize their strengths and find solutions in the workplace or other environments that take their real needs into account.
Supporting social relationships and self-perception
It is common for neurodivergent people to experience misunderstandings or conflicts in their social relationships. During counseling, we work on raising awareness of communication, strengthening self-confidence, and encouraging those affected to represent their own needs more courageously. This has a positive effect not only on their relationships, but also on their self-esteem.
Managing stress and anxiety
The constant pressure to adapt often leads to anxiety or exhaustion. With the support of a psychologist, stress management strategies can be learned within the framework of a neuroaffirmative approach, which help you maintain balance in your everyday life.
Social integration and environmental barriers
Often, it is not the way the person functions that is the problem, but the inflexibility of their environment. Whether it is the education system, workplace expectations, or everyday administrative tasks, a neuroaffirmative approach helps individuals and their environment to find solutions that make everyday life truly accessible and livable.
The benefits of neuroaffirmative psychological counseling
It helps with self-acceptance and identity reinforcement.
It reduces feelings of guilt and shame that can arise from feeling “different.”
It reinforces building on strengths, allowing those affected to follow their own path.
It offers solutions that are person-centered and aim to respect the individual’s needs.
It supports family members and relatives in understanding and accepting how their loved ones function.
It contributes to improving the quality of everyday life, helping those affected to live in a more balanced and self-aware way.
Process flow
At the first meeting, we will thoroughly assess your or your child’s situation, experiences, and needs. Then, we will set goals together: these may include boosting self-confidence, reducing anxiety, developing social skills, or learning stress management techniques. Several methods can be used during the process: cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises, self-awareness work, or even creative, playful elements.
If necessary, we will work with teachers, employers, or other professionals to ensure that the support is truly comprehensive.
What does all this mean in practice?
The neuroaffirmative approach helps those involved to:
- better understand their own functioning,
- more easily cope with everyday challenges,
- be more courageous in accepting themselves,
- find strategies that enable them to live a more balanced and fulfilling life,
- discover their strengths and opportunities in a supportive environment.
Supportive environment and knowledgeable professionals
Our psychologists approach you and your child with extensive experience and empathy. Our priority is to create an atmosphere of trust where all questions, feelings, and difficulties can be openly shared. In this safe space, we work together to find opportunities for growth and ways to overcome challenges.
Our clinics
Cézár house clinic
1133 Budapest, Bessenyei Street 16, 1st floor, apartment 7.
Keleti center
1146 Budapest, Cházár András u. 2 c. 3rd floor 7.
Visegrádi street center
1133 Budapest, Visegrádi street 93 C. ground floor 3.
Vizafogó clinic
1133 Budapest, Véső Street 8, 3rd floor, apartment 6.