An interview Joel Schwartz, PsyD on neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and neurodivergence. Curt and Katie talk with Joel about how often our natural spectrum of neurodiversity is pathologized. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Joel Schwartz, PsyD Dr. Joel Schwartz is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in the South Bay of Los Angeles County. He specializes in therapy and testing for the misunderstood. As a therapist, he is warm, compassionate, and strongly humanistic, allowing for all the oddities and unexplored aspects of his clients to emerge and be validated. As a testing psychologist, Dr. Schwartz specializes in difficult and complex cases. Dr. Schwartz grew up in Southern California. He developed an early interest in psychology, strangely enough, from a childhood filled with science fiction stories. These stories often provided fascinating looks into human psychology and the human spirit. Dr. Schwartz attended UCLA as an undergrad where he conducted research in the field of neurolinguistics. From there, he attended Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf School of Clinical Psychology for his Master’s and Doctorate degree. He has worked in various settings including colleges, clinics, a federal prison, and residential treatment centers. Through his experience with a vast array of individuals he has stuck with one important lesson among many; as the psychoanalyst Harry Stack Sullivan said, “We are all more human than otherwise.” In this episode we talk about: The problem of the medical model Looking at neurodiversity as a spectrum and a natural part of life Defining neurodiversity and neurodivergence Looking at differences as okay, and not disordered Traditional versus neurodiversity affirmative practices The strain of compensatory behaviors when one is neurodivergent and trying to fit in Problematic assumptions that do not welcome neurodivergent folks Practical ways to create an office that supports the full spectrum of neurodiversity The importance of clear instructions, options, and sensitivity to the different Radical acceptance The freedom and relief of not having to learn, when everything is explained. The debate about ABA and behavioral interventions The social justice aspects of working with neuro-minorities The importance of representation of neurodivergent people in all aspects of society Autistic people are demanding representation, are consulting, and are acting in roles Looking at the nuance of radical acceptance – when intervention is required, rather than acceptance The problem of behaviorism leading to repression and dissociation Having the goal of decreasing a behavior, shouldn’t be the final goal The problems of having ABA therapists not address their own emotions The problem with having neurotypical people setting goals for neurodivergent people Looking at the invalidation of modifying behaviors How to balance what society will accept as well as validating the person How do we set them up for success, without pathologizing their behavior Self-regulatory behaviors – comparing them to coffee drinking The need to move toward societal change   Our Generous Sponsor: Thanks again to our sponsor Katie Read! Katie helps therapists grow and then OUTgrow their practices. If you're in GROW mode, she can help you grow faster by knowing exactly how to create your therapist website to get the most possible calls with her two courses, Client Machine and Website Whisperer! If you're ready to OUTgrow your office, Katie helps clinicians know the exact right steps to add big extra income streams in coa