219 - Alyse Ruriani - Navigating ADHD TikTok in Support of Neurodivergent Practitioners and Clients
“It does feel kind of silly, sometimes, when I think about how much ableism is in the mental field when we're working with people who are disabled.” - Alyse Ruriani
This episode contains a conversation about suicide & suicidal ideation.
Do you struggle to complete basic tasks on time? Do you overshare in conversation or perpetually interrupt others? Do you have tactile sensitivities (i.e., sand, microfiber, another person’s skin)? You might be neurodivergent. Or not. ADHD––attention deficit hyperactivity disorder––is one possibility that often goes underdiagnosed, especially in folks who don’t identify as CIS male. While greater awareness could lead to vastly better ADHD treatment options, self-diagnosis via TikTok is NOT the answer!
Alyse Ruriani, MA, ATR, LPC, knows the secret shame of ADHD. They’re a queer femme registered art therapist, licensed professional counselor, illustrator, and recipient of a late ADHD diagnosis. As someone with vast personal and professional lived experience, Alyse is uniquely qualified to help folks leave the agony behind in favor of reclaiming agency. They’ve even created a bright, colorful workbook, The Big Feelings Survival Guide, to support those on an ADHD journey.
“I do think self-diagnosis can be really helpful,” says Alyse who considers social media an initial (and vital) port in the storm, not a final destination. Unfortunately, lots of folks mistake social media generalizations for absolute ADHD canon. “There can be a lot of misinformation, obviously, on TikTok, and sometimes not even misinformation, but missing nuance.” To combat confusion, Alyse encourages self-awareness coupled with action. “It's important that we recognize what is the thing [we’re] relating to; then, we have to put it in context.”
ADHD is a complex and highly individualized challenge. Skilled therapists possess the critical discernment to provide a proper diagnosis. That said, Alyse reminds me of how desperately our therapeutic spaces need professionals with lived experience––and how much ableism still exists in the field. Lockdown proved we could shift to virtual sessions, thus supporting immunocompromised folks and those with physical disabilities. Similarly, advocating for neurodivergent clients means employing more therapists with comparable experiences, like ADHD.
Alyse, who also manages a chronic health issue, wonders what further accommodations the profession might adopt in support of neurodivergent practitioners and clients. How we collectively answer that question could provide everyone with the grace they need to live more authentic lives in and out of the office.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Rev. Billy’s Chop Shop
Alan T. Gordon
Eastern Body, Western Mind
Wheels of Life
GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Website
TikTok
The Big Feelings Survival Guide
Alyse Ruriani (she/they), MA, ATR, LPC, is a queer femme registered art therapist, licensed professional counselor, illustrator, and person with lived experience. Their work aims to communicate information, provide tangible tools, and validate the human experience through engaging illustrations and designs. When Alyse is not working, you can likely find her swimming in some body of water, making art with friends, or hyper fixating on some new idea.
Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…
Website:
www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/
Instagram:
@headheartbiztherapy