Niki Alexandra Integrative Counselling

The 'Lost Generation' refers to those who were missed by early autism diagnostic criteria, especially before the 1990s. Many of these individuals are only now finding the support and understanding they needed all along. It’s vital to recognize and support everyone in the neurodiverse community. 🌈

Many autistic women face unique challenges that often lead to misdiagnosis. From masking behaviours to societal expectations, these factors highlight the need for better awareness and understanding. Let’s advocate for more accurate and inclusive diagnostic practices. 🧩

🚨 New Blog Alert! 🚨 Curious about why so many people are being diagnosed with autism these days? 🤔 It’s not about overdiagnosis, but rather addressing historical biases and improving our understanding. Dive into my latest post to learn more about the evolving landscape of autism diagnoses and the importance of inclusivity. 🌈🧩✨

https://nikialexandra.com/blog/f/why-are-more-people-getting-diagnosed-with-autism

🚫 Busting Myths about Autism in Women and People of Colour! 🌍✨

Let's debunk common misconceptions and shed light on the realities of autism. It's time to recognize the unique experiences of women and people of colour in the autism community. Knowledge is power—let's spread awareness and foster understanding. 💪💙

In moments of doubt, just remember: the bravest step you can take is showing up. 🌟 'Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.' – Brené Brown. Let's embrace the courage to be present! 💖

🚨 New YouTube Video Alert! 🚨

Why are women and people of colour often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late with autism? 🤔 Uncover the hidden biases in diagnostic criteria and learn why these disparities exist. It’s time to challenge outdated notions and push for a more inclusive understanding of autism. 🌍💪

🔍 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/vDMir710DvA?si=9ztDW5NNkL6DpE1c

Autism Diagnosis: Why Women & People of Colour are Overlooked 🌟 Hey everyone! Ready for a juicy dive into a diagnosis dilemma? Today, we're spilling the tea on the biases in Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses that hit ...

Did you know? These statistics highlight the disparities and challenges in autism diagnosis, particularly for women and people of colour. It's crucial to spread awareness and push for accurate representation and understanding. Let's work together to create a more inclusive world for the autistic community!

Your journey is just beginning. 🚀 Remember, your current situation doesn't limit your future potential. It's all about where you start. 🌟

"Hey, it's okay to take a break and prioritize your mental health. 🌿💚

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of taking time for ourselves. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your breaks:

Disconnect Digitally: Step away from your screens for a while. Use this time to engage in an activity that brings you joy, like reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing a hobby.

Mindful Breathing: Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath. Deep, mindful breaths can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm.

Physical Activity: Whether it’s a short walk, some light stretching, or a quick workout, moving your body can do wonders for your mental well-being.

Nature Time: Spend time outdoors. Nature has a way of rejuvenating our minds and bodies.

Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends or family members. A supportive conversation can be incredibly uplifting.

Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that it's okay to rest. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is crucial. These small steps can make a big difference in your overall well-being. 💖

Feel free to share your favourite ways to take a break in the comments below!

New YouTube video out today! I talk about what it is like to have a chronic illness that is an invisible dynamic disability and how ableism and internalised ableism is a challenge that we need to face.

Chronic illness, spoons and internalised ablelism The challenges of having a dynamic disability that is invisible and how this can contribute to internalised ablelism.

"In the presence of a compassionate counsellor, we find the courage to face our fears and the wisdom to heal."

At Niki Alexandra Integrative Counselling, we believe in the power of empathy and understanding. Our mission is to provide a safe space where you can explore your feelings, overcome challenges, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. 💚

Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or navigating life changes, we're here to support you every step of the way. Let's face these fears together and unlock the wisdom within.

Book your session today and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow. 🌟

"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives." – Akshay Dubey 🌿

Embrace your journey of healing and empowerment. Together, we can find the strength to move forward. 💪✨

✨ "The counselling process helps us uncover the patterns that no longer serve us, allowing us to create new paths of growth and opportunity." 🌿

Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation? Let's work together to break free from the past and build a brighter future. 💫

🌟 Finding Calm: A Journey Through Autistic Counselling 🌟

In the gentle embrace of understanding and empathy, counselling can be a transformative journey, especially for those of us navigating life on the autism spectrum. Here's a poem that captures the beauty of being seen, heard, and supported. 💖✨

I'm now available on Headroom Mental Health for bookings for 1 hour (50 minutes) sessions.

https://https://headroom.co.za/user/niki-alexandra/

I love the word "transmute" (v): to change in form, nature, or substance. For example, "the raw material of his experience was transmuted into stories".

While I don't believe pain and suffering are necessary for growth and personal development—everyone deserves a life of justice, abundance, and health—I do believe that the pain and suffering we do experience can be transformed into something useful and beautiful. This is the power of transmutation, like turning lead into gold through the alchemy of life.

You can learn to use your pain and suffering to inspire and create the magic of inner peace, strong boundaries, inspirational stories, and a resilient sense of self. This process, although challenging, is far more rewarding than being constantly haunted by the marks of pain and suffering.

Let's embrace the alchemy of our experiences and transform our struggles into strength and change.

When I discovered I was autistic, everything in my life finally made sense. For years, I had struggled with sensory issues, not realizing they weren't my fault or abnormal, and certainly not because I was weird or weak.

Learning to actively listen to my body and understanding what helps me regulate my sensory experiences has been incredibly empowering.

Each autistic person is unique, and your sensory profile is like your fingerprint – completely unique to you.

Working with a professional through coaching or counselling can be invaluable in figuring out your sensory profile, needs, comforts, safe spaces, and limits.

As an autistic counsellor, I genuinely understand your journey. I offer holistic counselling to help you start the process of creating a better life, where you can appreciate your sensory differences and learn to accommodate them.

Being neurodivergent and living with chronic illnesses means you will have faced internalised ableism. It takes time to face this beast and it can only happen through the deep work of self-acceptance, self-compassion and personal development.

I use my personal journey to help others who are neurodivergent, disabled and/or have chronic illnesses. I've been there, so I know it can be faced! Self-compassion was the biggest shifter for me, as well as psycho-educating myself on my neurotype and my genetic illnesses.

I take a holistic approach to my counselling and coaching and so I see every aspect of you as important. The body has a voice too!

For my neurodivergent souls, you have only been TOLD that you are a burden. But that is not what you ARE. Come find a safe haven to learn to accept yourself as you are, while you shed the lies and rejection.

Cognitive Distortions... we all have them! Some are taught to us by others when we are young (monkey see, monkey do!) and some we pick up from negative events like grief, loss, break-ups or trauma. These are biases in our thinking that cause us to feel unhappy, scared or overwhelmed. These feelings filter through to our behaviour and they can create destructive habits.

If you're in crisis and think you have some cognitive distortions that are preventing you from living an authentic life, leave a comment and we can chat!

Everyone can benefit from learning somatic grounding techniques and enlarging emotional vocabulary. But it's particularly important for Autistic women who have or have had challenges with disordered eating in the past. It's imperative to understand the difference in internal body awareness (interoception) which helps one know what they are feeling and what their body needs on a physiological level.

If you know of anyone who might benefit from this kind of counselling intervention, tag them here!

New blog out today on interoceptive differences in Autistic people. Interoceptive awareness is one of the eight senses and it functions differently in autistic people. Better bodily and emotional awareness can be developed through practicing this eighth sense.

The Autistic Experience of 'My Body is an Alien Thing' Differences in Interoceptive Awareness in Autistic People: Understanding the Disconnect

I'm Autistic and my body is an alien thing Many autistic people feel disconnected from their bodies, as if it is a separate entity, and this can cause anxiety. Recent studies show this could be due to...

Autistics and interoceptive awareness #autism #interoception #neurodivergent #adhd #proprioception

Often Autistic people find it hard to identify what they are feeling and whether their body is hungry or thirsty. This can also be accompanied with a feeling of disconnectedness and distance to one's sense of self. This can lead to feeling like one's body is an alien thing. This experience is thought to be due to differences in interoception - the mental awareness of bodily and emotional states.

Interoceptive awareness is something that can be practiced and this can help strengthen the sense of self and connection to the body. It takes time but it can be beautiful to experience this connection after a lifetime of disconnect.

I am a neurodivergent life coach and integrative counsellor on a mission to empower and support individuals through their unique journey. With over nine years of experience as a psychology lecturer, I have a deep understanding of the human mind and the power of self-discovery. My passion for the creative arts has also allowed me to explore the intersection of mental health and self-expression, and I love incorporating this into my coaching and counselling approach.

I believe in providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions, and harness their strengths to overcome challenges. Through my personal experience as a neurodivergent individual, I am able to provide a unique perspective and understanding to my clients.

Join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Let's break barriers, embrace our individuality, and create a life worth living. Book a session with me and let's make positive changes together.

Online Individual Counselling Sessions take place via whatsapp video call or Zoom. Payment is required upfront via EFT or Paypal.

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