Is "Normalizing" Hurting Us?

Diagnosed with ADD: Finding Meaning in a Label

I know, it’s a controversial thought because we’re so attached to labels. It’s how, as humans, we try to make meaning in the chaos.

In 2001, when I was first diagnosed with ADD, I went all in because the diagnosis provided me with an explanation. I no longer felt isolated and developed an understanding of what was happening in my brain and body. I soon found community.

For years, I was the biggest ADHD advocate. I routinely presented at CHADD and other conferences. I provided ADHD education in schools and worked alongside other medical professionals to support clients. At that time, and even now, much of the support was medication, CBT, maybe organizational strategies or straight Executive Functioning support.

But here’s the thing…… no medical professional or clinician ever assessed my ACEs score or probably even knew what that meant. There was no discussion on how complex childhood trauma alters the brain and nervous system. So after my own research and understanding, I self-identified and began to unpack what was under the ADD label. Even now, CPTSD is still not an official DSM diagnosis. And, there is limited awareness of the necessity for “bottom up” approaches in many therapeutic contexts.

Looking back, I remember a time just out of my MSW program in New Orleans where many kids were getting diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. These children were living in areas where gun violence, intergenerational trauma, poverty, and toxic amounts of lead in the soil were the norm. Even in my early 20’s, I knew that something else was happening and that the diagnosis alone wasn’t sufficient.

About 2015, I discovered Thomas Armstrong’s book and Neurodiversity made sense. I was intrigued by the concept of “how much do we adapt to the environment vs. expecting our environment to adapt to us?”

The idea that we all have different blueprints and are wired uniquely was pioneering at the time. I recall the deep discussions on the college campus where I worked. These young adults were going through their own developmental stages AND navigating aspects of diagnoses and identity at the same time. For many of them, this information was their lifeline.

Beyond Validation: Seeking Deeper Healing

However, there came a time for myself where I needed more than an explanation. I needed more than “being seen and heard.” Not to discount the importance of validation, yet, for me, all this knowledge and understanding didn’t resolve the ever-present swirl or languishing I experienced. The constant state of activation that my nervous system experienced. I didn’t want to change my personality yet did want to reduce the struggle. I began to recognize that the diagnosis isn’t me it’s just PART of me. (And really, whether I’m identifying with ADHD or CPTSD, the diagnosis is a composite of symptoms that doesn’t address the root causes).

Enter coaching…..

Coaching as a Path to Transformation

In 2008, I stopped practicing as a Social Worker and became a Coach. For me, coaching provided promise, hope, and an opportunity to move beyond my past trauma to unblock limiting beliefs. I was enamored with the cutting edge research in Neuroscience and Positive Psychology.

I understood the connection between positive emotional states or frequencies and transformation. Coaching embraces us as innately wise, resourceful, and capable. I watched my clients go from being stuck to flourishing.

Redefining Identity and Growth Beyond the Label

So, what happens when we put the labels aside?
What happens when we focus on possibility and strength?
Does the identity provide freedom? or can it limit us in perspective and keep us boxed in, narrow in our vision?

Could a shift in approach from normalizing to growth provide more expansion, curiosity, flexibility?

Yes, it can. And deeper levels of understanding and healing as well.

By addressing pervasive nervous system dysregulation, my foundational pillars, and energetics, I found lasting transformational change and you can as well.

Integrating Experience and Wisdom for Client Transformation

In this arena, I will share some insights from my own Neurodivergent experience and those of my clients as well. I believe the combination of formal and informal education has shaped my approach to fully support the shedding of unwanted layers……shame, guilt, programming, chronic overwhelm…..and instead initiate reconnection to core essence or Knowing.

I have close to 25 years of experience in coaching, consulting, leadership, therapy, program development, staff development, training, and facilitation. To support my clients, I integrate Neuroscience, Positive Psychology, IFS, somatic work, ancestral wisdom and spirituality in my offerings.

Join me on this journey to learn more.