Understanding Our Values, Biases and Stereotypes, Identity Development Stories and Neurodiversity as a Culture-Dr. Carrie Mitran

Dec 16, 2022

In this discussion, Dr. Carrie Mitran, an AANE-certified therapist and creator of the Mitran Model, shares her journey in neurodiverse relationships. She emphasizes understanding neurodiversity as a culture rather than a medical issue. Core challenges in neurodiverse couples include misunderstood communication and unrecognized anxiety. Dr. Mitran advocates for personal identity exploration and practical micro-interventions to enhance mutual understanding. She urges a shift from mere acceptance to affirming neurodivergent identities, encouraging openness and self-awareness in relationships.

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ANECDOTE

Mona's Late Discovery And AANE Help

Mona Kay recounts her late discovery that her marriage was neurodiverse and the difficulty finding informed therapists.
She credits Grace Myhill's support group as a pivotal resource during that time.

INSIGHT

Shift From Acceptance To Affirmation

Move relationships from mere acceptance toward active affirmation of identity.
Affirmation supports authentic expression and mutual respect within partnerships.

ADVICE

Explore Values And Biases First

Explore each partner's values, biases, and stereotypes as core therapeutic work.
Investigate those lenses before trying communication fixes or behavior change.

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Dr. Carrie Mitran has been in a neurodiverse relationship since 2007 and for more then 15 years she has been on a journey to discover the most effective tools and methods to help individuals and neurodiverse couples better understand themselves and each other. Dr. Mitran is an AANE Certified Therapist who has developed her own model for working with neurodiverse couples. The Mitran Model is a culturally responsive approach that moves away from the medical and diagnostic model and instead views neurodiversity as a culture. Specifically, looking at social-emotional learning and relational culture theory. The Mitran Model includes the following steps: 1) Identify target; 2) Implement a plan; 3) Define what support looks like; 4) Implement your plan with ongoing guidance. Dr. Mitran believes all people can design the life they want when they take time to understand themselves with knowledge, self awareness, and compassion. During this episode Dr. Mitran addresses the following: Why understanding neurodiversity is critical to therapy with ND couples. Building more competencies for helping professionals who are working with ND couples. The importance of understanding identity development stories. Core issues ND couples seek therapy for: misunderstood communication; perspective taking; high levels of anxiety that aren't recognized. Understanding complexities within each individual and within the intimate relationship and the foundation your relationship is built on. Supporting growth and development of each partner's identity with a new sense of awareness. Moving from acceptance to affirming! The importance of exploring and investigating our personal values, biases and stereotypes. How micro-aggressions can lead to contempt and resentment and the value of "micro-interventions". How breakdowns are opportunities to restart. Reconciliation and affirmation. The importance of understanding each others values and social context. Self-regulation-managing inner emotions and sensory overload. Moving away from "performance goals" in an intimate relationship. Having a curiosity based mindset. The value of "radical openness". You can contact Dr. Mitran at: www.neurodiversetalk.com

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If you are interested in becoming an AANE certified therapist, or coach, or would like to register for the "Neurology Matters' training available through AANE, for couples or individuals in neurodiverse relationships, you can register at: aane.thinkific.com. Please use the code NeurodiverseLove25 to get 25% off the registration fee. To learn more about AANE, or to find an AANE certified therapist or coach in your area, please click here and look at the map halfway down the page. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you liked this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode.

For more information about the support groups available for "neurodiverse couples" or the "neurotypical/non-autistic partners" please check out: www.neurodiverselove.com or follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love

You can also contact Mona at: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com Thank you for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!