The Flourish Empowerment Model: A Trauma-Informed Approach for ADHD
Trauma Informed: A Vital Framework for ADHD Support
The Flourish Empowerment Model for ADHD is underpinned by a trauma-informed approach, which is especially pertinent given the strong correlation between ADHD and traumatic experiences. This approach is built on the understanding that neurodivergent individuals are likely to have encountered trauma due to the challenges of living in a neurotypical world. It includes the following key principles:
- Realizes the Widespread Impact of Trauma: Recognizing that trauma is prevalent among neurodivergent populations, often exacerbated by experiences such as prolonged misdiagnosis, bullying, and chronic stress from adapting to neurotypical standards.
- Recognizes the Signs and Symptoms of Trauma: Our facilitators are trained to identify the manifestations of trauma, which can be more nuanced in individuals with ADHD due to their unique neurological makeup.
- Understands Potential Roads of Recovery: By acknowledging that the path to healing is not one-size-fits-all, the Flourish Model tailors recovery processes to the individual needs of the group members.
- Responds by Integrating Knowledge About Trauma: Integrating awareness of trauma into all aspects of the group, from policies to daily interactions, ensures that every action is sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors.
- Seeks to Actively Resist Retraumatization: The group model is designed to create an environment that avoids triggering trauma responses, offering a safe space for participants to engage without fear of retraumatization.
Why Trauma Sensitivity is Integral to Our ADHD Group Model
- Prevalence of Trauma: The acknowledgment of trauma’s prevalence is crucial, considering that neurodivergent women have historically faced significant trauma.
- Trauma and Stress Responses: Understanding how trauma can shape stress responses informs the way the group supports members in managing PTSD and heightened sensitivities associated with ADHD.
- Protective and Compassionate Responses: The group promotes self-awareness and self-compassion as tools for participants to recognize and validate their stress signals and protective responses, fostering a nurturing environment for stress management.
Enacting Trauma Sensitivity
- Community Connection: Building connections within the group provides therapeutic benefits and reinforces the understanding that members are not isolated in their experiences.
- Body Connection: Encouraging members to engage with their bodies counters the dissociative responses to stress and promotes embodiment as a source of healing and information.
- Authenticity and Autonomy: The group supports members in exploring their needs and fostering a sense of autonomy, which is essential for healing the relationship with oneself.
- Values and Boundaries: Teaching the importance of personal values and boundaries is key to a trauma-informed healing process, allowing for the development of healthier coping mechanisms.
Supporting Triggered Members
In instances where members may feel triggered, we advocate for self-soothing practices such as engaging with pets, physical movement, or the comfort of a warm drink. These simple actions can provide immediate relief and are part of the larger trauma-sensitive care integrated into our model.
Conclusion
Our ADHD group model is meticulously designed to be both trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed, reflecting a deep understanding of the unique intersection between ADHD and trauma. We commit to providing a supportive, compassionate, and resilient environment for neurodivergent women to explore their paths to empowerment and recovery. Through this model, we not only address the symptoms and challenges of ADHD but also the complex layers of trauma that accompany the neurodivergent experience.