Neurodivergent couples therapy
At Amora Psychology, Clinical Psychologist Madison Sundgren provides neuroaffirming couples therapy for relationships where one or both partners are neurodivergent, including ADHD, autistic, AuDHD and mixed-neurotype couples. Sessions are available online across Australia and draw on neuroaffirming practice and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Every relationship has differences. But when partners experience communication, emotion, attention, sensory input or connection differently, it can sometimes feel as though you are speaking different languages.
You might both care deeply about the relationship and still find yourselves misunderstanding each other's intentions.
The goal is not to make either partner communicate, feel or connect in a more “normal” way. Instead, we work to understand how each of you experiences the relationship and find ways of connecting that work for both of you.
How neurodivergence can shape relationships
Neurodivergence can influence relationships in many different ways. Couples may notice differences around:
- communication and processing styles
- emotional regulation
- executive functioning and the mental load
- sensory needs and overwhelm
- routines, predictability and transitions
- attention and memory
- conflict and recovery
- affection, intimacy and connection
- how love and care are expressed or recognised
Understanding the meaning underneath
Sometimes the difficulty is not the difference itself. It is the meaning that develops around it.
For example, forgetting something may begin to feel like “I’m not important to you.” Needing space to regulate may be experienced as “you’re shutting me out.” Wanting greater predictability may be interpreted as inflexibility.
Therapy creates space to slow these moments down and understand what is actually happening for both partners.
Mixed-neurotype relationships
I also work with mixed-neurotype couples, where partners have different neurotypes — for example, an ADHD or autistic partner and a neurotypical partner.
Neither partner's way of communicating becomes the standard the other needs to meet.
Instead, we work towards greater understanding of each other's needs, clearer communication and ways of maintaining connection that respect both people.
My approach combines neuroaffirming practice with Emotionally Focused Therapy. Rather than asking “Which partner is causing the problem?”, we become curious about the pattern developing between you.
The aim is to help you understand your differences without pathologising them, recognise where good intentions are getting lost, and create a relationship in which both partners can feel understood and connected.
Contact
Telehealth available Australia wide, with limited in-person availability on the Sunshine Coast. Phone 0493 310 565 or email admin@amorapsychology.com.au.